《Eldingar - The Lady of Golden Steel》


 Prologue - Sunrise on a new day

    It was seven in the morning. Birds had just begun chirping, but the mansion was already in an uproar.


    Or, to be more precise, just managing to get out of it.


    The eldest daughter of the family, Guila Cassiana, was about to go on her very first solo trip.


    No destination in mind. No time to return in mind. Though, she did have something akin of a side mission, at least.


    A trip to Hur''ish. A country, on the other side of the continent.


    Then, finally, with the family already outside and by the carriage, waiting for her, Guila walked out of the house.


    "Ehehe...!" While sporting a bright, wide smile on her face.


    With her golden locks flowing in the breeze. Wearing thin, ornamental golden armor over her black dress which accentuated a lean but voluptuous figure, and her golden heels clacking on the stone pathway.


    "I thought I was the one who was supposed to leave, Mother." She giggled, before hugging a woman with silver hair.


    But with similar height and similar features, coupled with just the right mixture of innocence and also maturity, the two hugging were more akin to sisters, than mother and daughter.


    "Oh, dear. You didn''t think we''d just let you leave without a farewell, did you?" Her mother teasingly said, before pinching Guila in the cheek.


    Then, she turned to her father, who stood at a head and a half taller than her. She had inherited his golden hair, while inheriting her mother''s eyes.


    "Indeed. Now, Guila. I''m sure I don''t need to tell you about what you should and should not do, while out on your own, right?"


    "Yesss...! Father...!" She chuckled, before she jumped and hugged him around the neck. Then, she kissed him on the cheek. "I can take care of myself. I''m more worried about you and mom."Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "Ufufu... We can take care of ourselves, dear. Now, come on. Let go of your father." Producing a fan from seemingly nowhere, she used it to tap Guila on the shoulder twice. "It''s only a shame that neither of your younger siblings can be here, though."


    "Fine..." She obediently did so, before snapping her fingers. Then, her armor liquified, before reforming into something that looked a lot more risque. Combined with the dress underneath though, it became stylish, instead. "It''s okay, though. Sylvia is two Kingdoms away. And there''s no reason to call back Charles, just to say goodbye."


    "I''ll probably be back, long before they ever get the chance to return, anyway."


    "It doesn''t change the fact that it feels wrong, dear..."


    "Mom..."


    "No..." Wiping a tear, with her lace-gloved hand, her mother forced a quivering, pained, but also proud smile. "My daughter is going out to make a name for herself. Isn''t that wonderful, Adam?"


    With that said, she coiled her arm around her husband''s arm, and laid her head against his shoulder.


    "I would still have rather had you take over the family, Guila-"


    "Father! Not this again...!"


    "Dear, you promised!"


    "Let me finish!" He wasn''t loud. But it was an authoritative yell, the two were silenced for but a moment. "Guila. Follow your dreams and never give up, understood?"


    "You''ve chosen this route. I expect you to follow it through. No matter what setbacks you might encounter. Is that clear, Guila?"


    "Haaaah...! Yes, Father! You can drop the soldier-speak, now. Jeez." With a shy, but also proud grin on her face, Guila crossed her arms, pushed her chest out, and let out an high-pitched laugh. "I''m gonna return, not just as the best Spellsmith in Calimus, or in Helios. But all of Eldingar!"


    "Of course. We cannot wait for the day, dear. We do hope you''d learn to be a bit more subdued, though." With that said, Guila kissed her mom and dad on the cheek, one more time, before boarding her loaded carriage.


    "Yes, Mother. I''ll try to be subdued around potential suitors. I''m only like this around family, anyway. There really nothing to worry about."


    Two years. For two years, she''d be away. 6 months to Hur''ish. Another six months back.


    No guards. No entourage. Just herself. And the skills that she had learned and mastered along the way.


    A trip that she had vehemently pushed for, for the past six years. It was finally happening.


    "Let''s go, Drako! Goodbye Mother! Father! I''ll see you soon!"


    With the roar of a land Drake, and the quick creak of her metal-reinforced carriage, she made her way out of her family estate.


    A new chapter of her life awaited in the horizon.


    ***


    ''How?''


    ''Why did I wake up here?''


    There were so many questions running through her head, at that very moment.


    But, no matter how many times she asked, or who she asked, the answer was always the same.


    Her hubris, was the answer.


    Her arrogance.

 Chapter 1 - Life Alone

    ''Day three out in the open road. Nothing has happened yet. Not as if I want something to happen. But, the roads are pretty lonely for the summer...''


    "Or is it always, like this?" With a few more scribbles written in her journal, Guila set it aside and sat herself down on a metal stool.


    "Well, time to eat!"


    While wearing nothing but a thick white shirt and some jewelry, Guila snapped her fingers and floated a small, golden, covered bowl towards herself, from above a small campfire.


    Inside, was a milky vegetable and rabbit stew.


    But...


    "Bleh...!" She stuck her tongue out, just as soon as she took the first spoonful.


    On her tongue, was part of a bone. Still pink, tasting disgusting, with a wierd texture and...! Eugh!


    "Ptoo! Why?! How did that even get in there?!"


    "Ewww!" Shivers ran up her back, and she bit her lower lip, desperately trying to rid herself of the taste.


    "... I already miss home."


    With taste buds that have reveled on the best food possible, all of her life, Guila was totally unable to handle such a simple thing.


    "...No." But, despite losing her appetite, Guila just shook her head, and took another spoonful.


    "At least the rest of it went okay. I''ll just have to keep a closer eye on my meats, next time."


    Of course, she finished her meal, cleaning the bowl with not a single drop or speck on her cheeks, or on her pristine shirt.


    "Now, then..." She set the tableware aside, and went to her feet, breathing in deeply, and enjoying the cool forest breeze.


    She was refreshed. And with a swig of water from a silver canteen, she was finally able to truly appreciate the place she had made camp in.


    A pristine canopy of leaves which rustle with every breeze, a freshwater spring in a small clearing, soft grass against her bare feet, the chirping of birds and the sounds of insects doing insect things...


    It was nature at it''s most beautiful.


    Save for the ugly dirt highway that was just a walking distance, away. But, there was no reason to be splitting hairs.


    Based on the stone circles erected on other parts of this clearing, the place was clearly frequented as a rest spot. And well-taken care of, too.


    "I suppose I should show my appreciation, as well." She flipped her hair back, and giggled, before walking over to the spring.


    Then, with a snap of her fingers, iron dust started digging their way out of the ground, forming a slowly swirling torrent of dark dust.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Within seconds, and with several hand gestures, the pig iron was cleared of impurities. Then, she floated several pieces of charcoal from her campfire over.


    "Ignite and burn, my Forge." And with her words, the metal started to heat without any present flames, further ridding itself of impurities, and formed steel.


    Before long, smiling triumphantly, she had a hand pump in her hand. Nothing too special. But, it had her family insignia on it.


    A thorned rose coiled around a sword.


    But, below it, were her initials. G.C.


    Her mark, so to speak.


    "Now... How do you install this?" She muttered weakly, before lowering herself, and poked the outlet of the spring.


    "Do I just... Push it in, or something? Or... Do I dig it out first...?"


    "No. Cease this ineptitude. A basin would perform much better than this pump." She shook her head, annoyedly, and the pump turned into a ball of dust once more, now firing someing more akin to a waist-high bird bath.


    This time, with some of the stone present nearby, to act as additional material.


    It had a pipe within the stand, which would dig into the ground slightly, and make sure the water kept going upwards. And just to be safe, she also formed some metal bars which would dig into the ground.


    With just a comple more flicks of her wrist, and a bit of trial and error, Guila succeeded in installing the basin. Which worked perfectly, quickly filling it up, and overflowing.


    With her family insignia and initials present too, of course.


    "This should last at least a few years. Though, rust might become a problem long before that..." She pursed her lips, thinking of the far future that her work would stop performing as designed.


    But, a smile quickly crept up on her face, when she thought of the people that would use it, and be thankful for what she had done of them.


    That much was enough to feed her ego.


    "It might need some sort of cover, though. But... I don''t know... I guess a stone and iron one would do. It would keep pests out that way."


    Though, little did she know, that she wasn''t as alone as she thought she was. After all, would a noble girl, really look and act so defenselessly, if she did?


    "That''ll have to wait, though. Time to enjoy myself, first. For ten minutes of work, I deserve to use as much water as I want."


    Once again, with only a shirt which also doubled as a skirt, and nothing else on herself, Guila decided to take a quick bath with her new creation.


    She ran back to her carriage, and grabbed a small pouch of toiletries, and stripped.


    Now completely naked, she giggled, then shivered, due to the sudden breeze, but with a bright smile on her face, nonetheless.


    Splash


    The sound echoed once. Then twice.


    Not even the use of soap, could hide the glistening, voluptuous figure that showed itself with every splash.


    Bouncy breasts, a lean waist, long legs, wide hips and perfect skin, she was the picture of noble beauty.


    Only further intensified by the unaware, and happily immersed expression on her mature, but also innocent appearance.


    "Ehehe..." With her hands occupied on applying shampoo to her hair, Guila''s giggling would be cut short.


    Crack


    Something... Or someone had made their way into the clearing from within the forest.


    Almost immediately, the water ball floating above her fell onto her head, and rinsed the shampoo. Then she grabbed her bracelet from the rim of the basin, and it turned into a dagger.


    "I know you''re there!" She yelled, her voice oozing with violence, and with her left hand covering her front with a towel.


    Many possibilities went through her mind. Dogs. Wolves. Goblins. A mere rabbit maybe? Then she thought of bandits and highwaymen. Even going as far as to consider an assassin.


    But, it was none of those.


    "Hey, there..." A man, somewhat older than her, with unkempt facial hair, long unkempt brown hair, wearing a thick poncho over the rest of his faded leather attire and...


    Blood.


    He was wounded. From his right shoulder, to his left chest, was a large tear, from which he was bleeding profusely.


    "I... I was... going to wait for you to finish. But... I''m already blacking out, Noble girl... I-is it too much to ask if you forgive me, just this once...?"


    "I promise... not to impose... I didn''t even see that much, either... Okay... That''s a lie... thank you. I''m not saying sorry..." He told her weakly, and breathing heavily.


    But, nevertheless, he didn''t fail to give the girl a confident, shit-eating grin.


    "Name''s Wain. Kind of a Bounty Hunter... What''s your''s, Blondie?"

 Chapter 2 - The Bounty Hunter

    "Name''s Wain. Kind of a Bounty Hunter... What''s your''s, Blondie?"


    Should she answer? Or should she him off, for how he had just insulted her?


    The question rang in her mind for just moment.


    "Gui-"


    "Aargh..."


    Before she could even say a word, he had fallen over, face first, into the soft grass.


    Thus, leaving her completely speechless for a second time.


    "... Uh..." She tiptoed closer, leaning to the side, to try and get a good look at his face. "Are you still alive?"


    "Well... He''s still breathing..." She sighed, then scanned her surroundings more carefully.


    Trees, trees, grass, vines, shrubbery...


    Now that she got a good look at it, this place was perfect for setting up ambushes.


    The canopy was thin, so undergrowth flourished. Many of the plants had large leaves, or had a lot of them. So, coupled together with the occasional strong breeze...


    "Oh no... So then..." She stared at the campfire stones she had taken from their place just a few minutes ago.


    On some of them, were...


    ... iron rich blots.


    "You''ve got to be kidding me..." Immediately, she thought of leaving and was just about to run back to her carriage, until...


    "Nnngh..."


    He groaned.


    "... You''ll have to forgive me. But I''m leaving you here. The campsite is yours." With that said, she liquified her dagger back into an intricate bracelet. She didn''t even glance back at him, as she walked off.


    "Drako! Come back, boy! We''re leaving early!" She whistled once, then twice.


    Before long, something that could only be described as a dark green, spiny lizard, made itsaits way out of the forest. from the same direction that the man came in from.


    "Oh good. You''re okay." She sighed in relief, as she heard the familiar sound of shubbery and foliage getting stomped by something incredibly heavy.


    "Like I said, we''re leaving, okay?"


    15 meters long from snout to tail, with teeth sharper than knives, and rough scales tougher than conventual iron - anybody would be frightened seeing such a creature racing towards them.


    "Who''s a good boy? Hm? Ehehehe... Now. Come on." But Guila recieved the creature, with a hug around it snout, and a kiss above it''s brow.


    Unlike her who was tense, the creature was energetic and playful, licking her arm with its long, slithery tongue. The reassurance of having the creature nearby eased her worries quite well, and she was quickly infected by that cheeriness.


    That is, until she felt something snag at her fingers, when she stroked it''s cheek.


    On one of the horns, was a bloodied piece of cloth. Clearly having been torn off, just recently. Along with a few strips of meat.


    "Where did you...?"This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Her eyes landed back on the man that she was more than ready to leave to his fate.


    "You... You have got to be kidding me! Drako...! Divines damn it!" She stomped on the ground, before growling. "Now I can''t just leave him to die! Bad boy!"


    The creature could only whimper, as it lowered it''s head.


    "Walk me back to the carriage, I''m getting the first aid kit, and then you''re staying there!"


    ***


    "Mmnngh..."


    Wain woke up to find himself covered in a thick woolen sheet from the waist down. And everything up, was covered in clean bandages.


    He was still sleeping on the grass. But it was thick and soft enough, to be just as good as any bed you''d find in a cheap inn.


    Something that he was already more than attuned to.


    Beside him, was a gold water canteen and empty bowl, on an flat rock.


    "Good. So you finally managed to wake up. I suppose you should eat, then."


    A voice came from outside his line of vision, high-pitched, feminine, and containing a slight accent. Followed by a distinct, metallic sound clicking against one another.


    He struggled to turn his head, but he didn''t need to do much, until the figure of a woman, wearing nothing but a white shirt, linen shorts and and high heels, metal boots that rose up to her thighs.


    With her hair tied in a ponytail, he was now able to truly see her face. Also without the blur of being near-death, and all that.


    Even without any makeup; she was undoubtedly beautiful. Her long eyelashes, piercing red eyes, pink cheeks and pink lips...


    "Uhh..." His eyes trailed down, and for a moment, he lingered on the outline of her chest which was visible due to the nearby fire.


    But, he eventually registered the pot in her hands. From which, he could smell something that was... just as delicious.


    "You know. A hundred years ago. You would have had your eyes pulled out by a corkscrew, for seeing me like that."


    "Luckily for me. Times have changed. Hasn''t it?" And with that said, he got kicked at his side. "ARGH!" He immediately recoiled.


    "D... Did you really have to use the pointed tip on your heels to kick me...?"


    "I saved your life. I deserve to be allowed to do that much." She said assuredly, before filling up his bowl. Then, the pot shrunk even more, forming a similar bowl.


    "It''s rabbit. Make sure you enjoy it."


    "..." He pursed his lips, before sitting up, seemingly uninjured and limber.


    "Thanks, Blondie." He gave her another shit-eating grin, before lowering his head.


    "Don''t be. You should thank Drako. If it weren''t for him you''d be dead."


    "Drako, huh? Is he your boyfriend, or something?"


    "Heh. I don''t know. Perhaps, you should ask him yourself." She gestured to the spot behind him.


    What greeted him, as he followed her words, was a gigantic lizard, leering at him, with its glowing, yellow eyes, while gnawing on a boar carcass.


    "Woah." He went quiet, before leering back at the creature, and scoffed. "Quite a boyfriend you have there, Blondie."


    "I know, he''s the sweetest. A bit violent though."


    "Heh... I''m sure that''s the case. Thanks for the meal, then." And with that said, he dug in. "It''s quite good. I want to thank the chef."


    "You may thank her, right now." Guila chimed in, with a wider-than-usual smile on her face.


    With the stars twinkling up above, the trio had dinner.


    "Here. Let me wash them clean."


    Guial was quite surprised to see him suddenly just get up, and stretch a hand out to her.


    "What...? No. Wait. You shouldn''t be moving around too much, you know? You might open your wounds again. Sewing you up wasn''t easy!"


    "So that''s why it''s constantly stinging. But, seriously, it''s the least I can do. Please."


    She paused, and stared into his eyes while practically leering. Quite frankly, she knew the value of them.


    The were all gold, intricately designed things she had spent quite some time working on.


    If they were stolen and sold, it would go for quite a good sum.


    "Fine... Go ahead." She handed him her bowl, and cutlery. "The dishwashing soap should still be in the basin."


    "Yes, Blondie." With one last grin, he recieved the items and bowed before leaving.


    But not before earning Guila''s ire, and a yell.


    "I have a name, you know?!"


    "You never told me."


    He turned around, and saw Guila cross her arms, and her legs, while sitting in her metal stool.


    "Hmph... Guila. Guila Cassiana. You better start using my name from now on, Wain."


    "Nice to meet you too, Guila." With one more bow and a grin, he walked off.


    Giving him one last glance, she turned towards her knapsack which contained her journal, and pulled it out.


    ''Day three addendum. I met a wounded man named Wain. Someone that Drako must''ve attacked. So, I had no choice to help him. He didn''t recognize Drako, though, for some reason. I just hope that this doesn''t happen too often.''


    "An entire day wasted... Though, with this. I guess my earlier fears were unfounded for the most part. Theres almost no people travelling these roads. So no reason to stake it out...and, if they were here, they''d have attacked by now."


    She held her journal close, and walked over to Drako, in order to pat the creature.


    "Camping together for the night, should be okay, right?"


    Hrrrngh. The creature responded disinterestedly, before snorting at her.


    "No. Don''t be like that." She drew closer, then whispered. "I don''t trust him either. But, he''s one of the few people I''ve operated upon. I can''t let him die, without telling other people about it. There would''ve been no point."

 Chapter 3 - First Decisive Victory

    "Geez¡­"


    Exasperated, Guila wiped some boar blood off her hands against the grass. Little did she notice that the Drake''s face had been thoroughly drenched with it.


    "...You should eat more cleanly¡­"


    "I want to take another bath now, thanks to you¡­" She stuck her tongue out at the creature.


    Before sitting herself back down on her seat, with Wain''s poncho set aside on the ground next to her.


    Curiosity quickly got the better of her, as she drew her hand inside, trying to look for anything she could get her hands on.


    The poncho was thick enough, to look like a sleeping bag, so surely, she was going to find something.


    And, she did.


    As her hand landed something flat and long.


    It was surely a weapon. one which contained Mana, no less. Something which immediately interested her enough, to glance at Wain.


    And, he was still washing the cutlery.


    With her eyes trailed on him, she pulled it out with one hand. While another hand rummaged around.


    "You''re looking through my stuff, aren''t you?"


    A wry, frustrated smile soon crept onto her face, as she was just inches away from seeing the weapon.


    "So? What if I am?"


    She quipped back, pulled her hands out, anc crossed her arms, once again. Quickly trying to recover whatever semblance remained of her image as nobility.


    "I deserve to know more about the person that I saved, don''t I?"


    He nodded, as he rinsed the last of the cutlery. Then, he walked over with them stacked in one hand. "It seems that you do."


    "Go ahead. But, make sure you ask permission first. Only vagrants do what you just did. Are you a vagrant, Guila?"


    "Grrrrr¡­ you talk too much. But so be it!" Yelling, she flipped the poncho open, revealing several compartments inside.


    A couple were torn apart. But¡­


    "It''s a good thing that these are ruined." She commented, before tossing several bloodied cigars away.


    Only then, did she grab the sheathed weapon.


    "I knew it!"


    She pulled it out, and there it was. A curved dagger, scratched-up, but relatively well maintained, made with a golden alloy. On it, was an insignia too faded to be recognized, and beneath it, were two initials.


    They were written in a much simpler font than the current one, but there was no mistaking it.


    G.C.


    "Tell me, Wain. Are you a fan of my work?" She asked him with a smug look on her face.


    Only for it to be wiped away, into a frown, when she saw a cigar in his mouth and a matchbox in one hand.


    "You''re eventually gonna kill yourself with that."


    He just shrugged his shoulders in response, before lighting the cigar. Despite having some blood on it, he was more than able to exhale a large cloud of stinging quite smoke.


    "Kah! Kahf!"


    Instantly agitated, she yanked it out of his mouth, tossed it at her feet, and ground it against the dirt.


    "Oi! What the heck do you think you''re-"


    "Talk to me, when I talk to you. Got it?"


    Before he could even retaliate, she had already pushed her index finger against his chest, while glaring up at him.


    "Divines¡­" He sat on the grass with a plop and a loud sigh.


    "I regret coming to you for help, now. But, your work, huh? I''ll have to say thank you, then. It''s saved my life several times."


    "I''m sure that it has, and you''ve taken good care of it, too. There seems to be an odd enchantment in it, though."


    There was a short pause in the conversation, as Guila swung the dagger at the air. Until she eventually pointed it straight at him.


    "So, Wain. Tell me something."


    "..." Seeing her brandish the weapon, he instantly became alert, and was preparing to snatch it out of her grip. "...What do you want to know?"


    "Why are you all the way out here?"


    "..."


    "Well? Tell me."


    Of course, this unnatural silence didn''t escape Guila, and she narrowed her eyes at him. Then, she drew the knife even closer to him, pressing the edge against his chin.


    "Answer me."


    "Like I said. I''m sort of a bounty hunter, and I have a bounty I want to cash in on."


    "What kind of bounty¡­?"


    "The really big kind."If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "What was it about?"


    "..." Silence once again.


    The longer the questioning went, the more and more that Guila was spooked. Before long, she had gone to her feet and took a rudimentary stance.


    Sensing his master''s unease, Drako also raised its head.


    Protecting herself, always came first. Regardless of any benefits she could possibly be getting, otherwose.


    Whatever hint of, well, acquaintance, the two managed to develop, quickly evaporated from her mind.


    Why wouldn''t he tell her something so simple?


    Unless¡­


    "You."


    He finally answered, as his hands whisked through the air, twisting Guila''s arms, and pushed her down, with the dagger now back in his position, and pressed against her neck.


    "I was looking for you."


    RAAAAAAARGH!!!


    While roaring so loudly, that it could be heard from so far away, Drako got to his legs, and prepared to tear the man apart.


    But, it was immediately stopped when Wain pulled Guila back up, and used her as a meat shield against the creature.


    "Drako! Kill him now!"


    "Nope. Stay down, Lizard." He ordered, while gesturing with his head towards the ground.


    And¡­ much to her utter despair, Drako did as the Bounty Hunter said.


    Nrrrrnnngh¡­


    "W-what did you?!"


    "Quiet, Blondie." He pressed the dull side of the dagger against her neck, which immediately made her flinch, and docile.


    "I''m actually surprised that your family would let you go this easily. Do you have any idea about the powerful people that want you?"


    "N-no! I apparently don''t!"


    She struggled to answer. But answered nonetheless, before spitting at his face. She also tried to elbow him in the gut, but this failed too, as he was somehow able to anticipate that and pushed her wrist against her back.


    "Don''t try and struggle, Blondie. You''re no fighter. Everyone knows that. You''re just a sitting, golden duck."


    "Fuck you! You piece of shit! Ahg!" Unfortunately, try as she might, she was completely at his mercy, totally incapable of escaping his grip, with her weak, untrained limbs.


    It still annoyed the man greatly, though. So, he pushed her wrist even higher up her back. "Stop! Stop! Please! It hurts!"


    "You understand your place now? Lady of Golden Steel?"


    "You¡­ you don''t deserve to even speak my title."


    "Really, huh?" A kneekick to the back of her knee, and a strong yank on her ponytail, immediately brought her back to her knees. Her vision shook wildly again, and she found herself face planted on the ground, forced to stare at a Drako with hazy irises.


    "Do you have any idea how hard it was to prepare for this hunt? I studied you for months, and this just came down to me physically overpowering you." He spat back at her face, which landed just below her eye, as he straddled her.


    "You''ll be worth every goddamn Culmi! But even the greenest bounty hunter could have taken you down, fucking waste of effort!"


    She wasn''t dismayed. Everything he did, every word he said, only made her more and more indignant. Anger from her damaged pride, quickly took over, as she snapped her fingers.


    With just that, she activated her magic. And her metallic, thigh-high boots, grew long spikes. Which dug quickly and deeply into his legs, enough to shatter bone, and caused him to recoil, screaming.


    "You speak too much¡­" With another snap of her fingers, the spikes retracted.


    With writhing on the ground, screaming, Guila had all the time in the world, to stomp her heel on his stomach. Causing him to vomit the dinner she had made for him.


    With a flick of her wrist, she had a handkerchief float over, and wiped his spit of her face.


    "So. How does it feel to be proven wrong?"


    "YOU BITCH!"


    Wain roared, whilst spitting out blood, bile and food matter. Soon, Mana also evaporated from his body. And¡­ his physique changed.


    What was a rugged, tanned body, turned lanky, and pale. The stubbly, rugged face, thick jawline and piercing eyes, turned weak and unpronounced.


    The only thing that didn''t change, was his height.


    "Ew. You''re bald too. You could''ve at least had the same brown mane-like hair."


    "I''m gonna fucking kill you!" And he was going to follow through, by some sort of miracle, he managed to get up to his feet, and swung at her.


    But, she was more than able to jump back.


    "Whoops. Sorry." She stuck her tongue out at him, just as she landed with a bad footing and her too far apart.


    "You''ll have to move faster, if you want to catch me." She then giggled, before tapping her boots.


    Of course, ''Wain'' didn''t stop, and he kept going for her, swinging again, and again, and again.


    Whilst Guila just continued to toy with him, repeatedly dodging blows, by jumping backwards.


    Until¡­


    Bang! Clang!


    She tripped on the basin that she had made, and fell on the back of her head.


    Her vision blurred, the wind was knocked out of her, and her movements slowed dramatically.


    ''Wain'' on the other hand, now had a large grin on his face, as he gingerly walked over, and stabbed the knife into what was exposed of her right thigh.


    "Like I said! You''re no fighter, bitch!"


    "AAAAAAAAGH!"


    The pain cleared her vision. But the pain was so great, that her mind turned white with it. She couldn''t handle it. Never once, had she needed to endure anything more dire than a papercut.


    Such was the privilege of Nobility such as herself. Someone who never encountered actual pain, since the strokes of her life had gone perfectly.


    Thus, she flailed wildly, screamed hysterically, and desperately tried to crawl away.


    "NO! NO! NO! NO! GET AWAY FROM ME!"


    It was almost quite a sight. To see her demeanor change so much, the moment that the situation changed. But, perhaps it was the same for everyone else.


    Or maybe not.


    Regardless, this reaction only resulted in worsening her situation.


    Since he still held the knife in his hand, when she yanked her leg closer to herself, not just her flesh, but even her tendons and a blood vessel were torn apart, bringing another wave of excruciating pain.


    She couldn''t even hope to try and get up. Instead, she just curled up into a ball, utterly a mess, with the back of her thigh torn right off, and the bone exposed.


    With a bright, arrogant, and almost sickening smile on his face, he took a knee beside her, and yanked her hair up, forcing her to face him.


    What he saw was her face, distorted with tears and mud.


    "And with that, I caught Guila Cassiana! The Lady of Golden Steel! The biggest catch of my career! HAHAHAHAHHAHA!"


    He gloated. His applause being her tears and desperate, unintelligible cries.


    "Luckily for me. The contract only said that you need to be in one piece. So I can have as much fun, as I want." He cackled again, before placing the knife underneath her shirt, and tore it apart


    Thus, revealing her bare, voluptuous chest. Even with the campfire being farther away, her body still glistened from the cold sweat.


    Fearing for her life, and thinking that she was approaching death, her body also reacted in kind.


    Much to her shame, and despite what emotions she was currently feeling, the rush of adrenaline made her nipples stiffen.


    "You... fucking whore¡­! Hahahahaha! Scream harder!" He yelled, and slapped her across the face.


    "Come on! Harder!" He slapped her again, from the other direction.


    Then again, and again, and again, while her cheeks turned sore, and the initial pain, turned into utter humiliation.


    "SCREAM! YOU GOLDEN WHORE!"


    ''Please¡­! Somebody..! Help me¡­!''


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    RAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRGH!!!!!!!!!


    The sound of meat and bones being torn apart resounded far and wide, for quite some time. While quiet, fearful sobs accompanied it, in the background.

 Chapter 4 - Pride as a Crutch

    She was bleeding.


    She knew she was bleeding.


    She didn''t need magic to know that she was getting pale, and that she needed to deal with her wound as quickly as possible.


    But, she just couldn''t find the will to do so.


    She was drained.


    She would whimper, and she would cry.


    But, she wouldn''t move.


    She just stared.


    Right in front of her, was a pale, disfigured face.


    Like a fruit, it had been crushed underfoot, spilling blood and brain matter all throughout, and onto her face.


    Meanwhile, the murderer feasted on its prey, burying it''s long, horned, scaly snout into the raw, shredded meat.


    She couldn''t even find the will to thank the beast.


    Her companion.


    Instead, she wanted to roar at it. To grab and beat it to death for waiting so long. For letting it''s mistress get injured, and fear for her life and her chastity.


    But, even this, she had no will to do.


    So, there she laid, covered in blood, mud, and tears.


    Like a lifeless doll, she waited.


    Waited.


    ...


    Waited.


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Waited no more.


    As the fear and humiliation finally receded, even by just a tiny bit, she found a reason to keep going.


    Her pride.


    She wasn''t going to let this event define her for the rest of her life.


    "AAAHHHHH!!!!!!!"


    With one, long, powerful roar, she pushed herself up.


    "Kh-!!"


    But, the pain in her thigh immediately stung again, and she smacked back down onto the ground.


    "I need to¡­ Haaah¡­ haaah¡­" She panted heavily, still barely able to even see anything.


    "I need to¡­ see my wounds¡­ first¡­ to see if I can..."


    Once more, she grit her teeth and pushed herself up. But this time, while using one of the Drake''s horns as a support.


    "Urrrgh!!!"


    This time, she finally succeeded.


    What she saw was something that she wished she never needed to see in all her life.


    The insides of her flesh; messy, disgusting, and¡­


    She could barely keep her dinner inside of her. Operating on others, was one thing.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    But herself¡­?


    She couldn''t even believe that what she was seeing was real.


    Did she really look this disgusting on the insides despite her unquestionable beauty on the outside...?


    How?


    There was no way that could be true.


    She couldn''t get too much time to contemplate, though. As the slashed vessel, suddenly started spurting out blood like freshly half-clogged pipe.


    "Nnnngh!!!!"


    She leaned into the wound closer, with her legs laying on their side. A difficult position to endure, but she had more pressing matters than being uncomfortable.


    Using her magic, she was able to float the first aid kit to her from inside the carriage.


    Needle.


    "Half a roll of catgut sutures left¡­ bastard."


    Disinfectant and finally, pure cotton.


    "Grrrrr¡­." Gritting her teeth, she opened the bottle, and drenched the cotton with it.


    Then, slowly, ever so slowly, she applied it on her wounds.


    But.


    "Ayieeeeeeek!!!!!!!!!!"


    Her shriek was loud enough to even startle the Drake, making it raise its head and growl threateningly at their surroundings.


    She inhaled deeply, and¡­ "It''s okay¡­ haaah¡­ haaah¡­ it''s okay, Drako. I''m okay¡­"


    "Now¡­ The first stitch¡­ is always the hardest¡­" She tries to reassure herself. But, she had a hard time even wiping the new onset of tears, snot and drool that drenched her face.


    "Nnnngh¡­!"


    Second.


    "Grrrk!"


    Third.


    "Haaah¡­ haah¡­ Mhng!"


    Fourth.


    And with that, she had fixed the vein. But she was still bleeding profusely.


    She was still far from done.


    But¡­ at least now, she could manage a smile.


    And, just in time, as she couldn''t even move her arms anymore.


    But, thankfully, she didn''t need them to operate.


    Even with fatigue wracking her mind, she used her Telekinesis as a substitute.


    Messy, uncoordinated, and it overlapped a few times.


    But, with the generous use of a bandage roll¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­ She was finally done, and sleep quickly took it''s hold.


    The song of gore just lost its sorrowful accompaniment.


    ***


    ''The night was long, and painful. But¡­ I managed.''


    ''It''s Day four. Morning. I don''t want to write about what happened last night.''


    ''You''ll just have to guess.''


    "..."


    Guila closed her journal, then stared outside her window.


    With her stuff arranged throughout, the 5x7x3-sized carriage had barely enough space for a bed which doubled as a sofa and tripled as a dining chair.


    And overhead on the cieling, and somewhat obscured by stacked crates and a closet, was the known map of the continent. Though, most of it was featureless with only the coastal line. Or just became completely blank, after a certain point.


    But, she wasn''t worrying herself with the stuffiness of the room. Or the possibility of something falling.


    Rather, she wasn''t even thinking of anything


    At least, until one of the wheels hit a rock, and the carriage jolted.


    "NgraAAH! Drako! Be careful, please!" She may have complained, but she knew that it didn''t understand anything of what she said.


    It was a pet. It may be smart enough to follow instructions. But¡­


    "What am I even saying¡­?"


    She sighed again, and lowered her gaze to her journal.


    "Wait..."


    "... Culmi." She muttered weakly, suddenly recalling last night. Just the thought of it was enough to make her flinch. But, she shook her head while quivering.


    "He said¡­ I was worth every Culmi¡­" she paused, before setting the journal aside, and grabbed a large leather pouch from the bedside, instead.


    Inside were a few hundred of the highest value currencies of every Kingdom in the continent.


    And among them all were distinct black coins that had a glassy sheen to them, and the symbol of a sun and crown pierced by a sword.


    A Black Culmi.


    "... Legal tender that only functions in Coalition territory¡­" She growled, before simultaneously crushing all the coins into unrecognizable clumps.


    "So a wannabe nation that only exists to try and dominate others without developing anything, is after me..."


    "Fine, then." With her fists curled up the coin clumps liquified and formed arrowheads.


    "Come and try it again. I dare you. Give me one more reason to change my plans. I''ve waited six years for this... I''m not letting you derail me, this easily."


    She grinned, almost maniacally.


    But, most likely, she was unaware of this. In the same way, that she likely didn''t notice her hands shaking the entire time.


    "Send more men. I''ll be ready, next time. Then, I''ll show you all why I''m called the Lady of Golden Steel..."


    Then, she snapped her fingers, and the arrowheads were shot upwards, most landing on a certain, large northern territory.


    But one landed right around where she had made camp just yesterday. Next to a major highway.


    "I show you all..."

 Chapter 5 - Her Personal Hell, finally opens its gates.

    She was in the middle of seemingly nowhere.


    Here, sitting on a rock perched near the edge of an overhanging cliff.


    Everywhere the eye can see, there was only brown stone, and gravel. No trees. And you''d have to squint so hard, to see any of the dried-up shrubbery.


    But, despite the searing sun, and the constant battering of cold wind coming from the eastern mountains¡­


    Guila was smiling.


    And quite brightly at that, letting her hair blow and even hit her face. Just to get them out of the way, with a chuckle.


    She didn''t even seem to mind the fact that her make-up was getting damaged. It wasn''t just simple make-up either.


    Bright red lipstick, gentle but pronounced eyeliner, her brows were permed and she had blush applied. Just looking at her now, would make anyone think that quite a long time was spent on making her even more beautiful.


    She''d already ought to be in a ball, at this point.


    But, here she was.


    Another strangeness to her presence in this landscape was her outfit.


    Burgundy red silk, and gold heels that rose 8 inches up.


    Precious metals and gems adorned her body as elaborate hanging earrings, bracelets, armlets, rings, and finally, a small tiara that had a bright red Ruby the size of a thumb, as the centerpiece.


    Why was she here, of all places?


    The answer came as she heard the familiar sound of heavy boots beating against the ground, and was followed by a wall of wind that protected her.


    Thus, letting her now-messy, but once-carefully braided, waist-length ponytail fall back behind her.


    "Father¡­!"


    "Guila."


    She sprung up, and twirled around on one foot, running towards the man with open arms.


    Of course, he received her.


    But, quick to take up an opportunity, she jumped up and planted a kiss on his cheek, before giggling.


    A head and a half taller than her, with shoulders more than twice as wide, was her father.


    Adam Cassiana.


    Also called as the Calimus Minister of Technology.


    Similarly to his daughter, he was adorned in a luxurious attire and accessories. Though, a lot more subdued. He wore a shining black suit and tie, dark blue undershirt, black leather shoes, and had a thick fur cloak hung over his shoulders.


    Unfortunately, his rugged handsomeness was distorted by the tired expression on his face.


    "How many times does your mother have to tell you? Be more subdued."


    "Is that so? This''ll be the last time I hug you, then." She pouted, before letting go, and stepped back.


    But, as she did, his expression changed again. This time to that worry.


    "Ehehe¡­ well, Father? What''s it going to be?"


    With his hands behind his back, the man could only sigh, and just shook his head.


    "This isn''t the time to be playful, daughter." He then turned right about face, and showed the scene happening at the base of the cliff.


    There were seven, multiple-horse carriages lined up, and at least three dozen mounted knights escorting.


    And, from those carriages, exited well-dressed men and women. Either having luxurious attires similar to the father and daughter duo. Or wearing highly-decorated military uniforms of different nationalities.


    Not to mention that many of them, were at least several decades older than Guila.


    Together, the two grinned, before her father took a light bow, and offered her a hand.


    "This is your event. I don''t know what you''re planning. But I trust it''s something big. "


    "I won''t disappoint, Father."


    She smiled back, and placed her hand on his, allowing herself to be escorted down to where the gathering was.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    "This will be my debut, after all."


    ***


    The carriage jolted again, and Guila was pulled out of her short daydream. She was still within the forest, and seated in her carriage, with her chin on her hand as she stared outside.


    On her lap, was her journal.


    ''Day Seven. Still on the road. Nothing''s happened. So, there''s really no reason to write. I''ll still keep on writing, though.''


    "Haaah... Still... In another week, it would be seven years since that day... My first big presentation. I wish I could''ve done things more maturely, back then."


    She sighed with a tinge of pink on her cheeks due to shame, and closed her eyes slowly.


    Until she finally noticed it.


    The carriage wasn''t moving anymore.


    "Did a wheel get stuck-?" She immediately shut up, when she noticed several crouched figures from beyond the treeline.


    "Bandits." She clicked her tongue. "So they finally showed themselves¡­"


    "This is the one! The carriage with the mark of a rose around a sword!" One of them yelled, while the rest quickened their approach.


    ''They''re specifically after me, huh? Did the Coalition hire them too?! No. They must''ve made the bounty public! Bastards!''


    "Actually...." Her expression changed, and she started giggling. Then, she put on some leather sandals. Before making her way out of the carriage while wearing a slim, black v-neck shirt and a pair of shorts.


    "Ngh¡­! Haah...! Hehe..." Though she limped due to the jolting pain, Guila just grinned. "This might just be perfect."


    "Stay down, Drako."


    "I want to try something." With a flick of her wrist, a sword manifested from her bracelet. Which quickly detached and floated diagonally above her head.


    Seeing the magic performed, the two dozen bandits kept their guards up and regrouped.


    One of them was wearing heavy iron attire with a rusted golden mace in his right hand and a wooden tower shield on the other. He was most likely the leader. Especially with that round gut, but well-defined limbs. There was no real other way to look at him.


    So, she pointed at him.


    "You''re first."


    "Heh." He responded to her, with his own grin, before banging his weapon against his shield. "You all know the drill! Stick to the plan, regardless of what hap-?!"


    "Bye."


    Not letting him finish, Guila tapped the floating sword with her index finger.


    And it flew.


    Far faster than an arrow, and far more dangerous given the velocity.


    But, the bandit leader was no slouch.


    He noticed the moment that she activated her magic, and managed to dig his shield into the ground to block the coming projectile.


    The shield shook and rattled heavily, almost pushing the man back. Accompanied by splinters that flew against his face. But he stayed standing.


    With the tip of a golden sword right in front of his left eye.


    "Hahaha!"


    Almost immediately, he discarded his shield and ran to her, with a thunderous laugh, and with one meaty arm outstretched for her neck.


    Meanwhile, the rest of the bandits also began to move.


    "Drako! I take back what I said!" With a swing of her hand, the metal harnesses on the creature, liquified, and it roared.


    "Sic them!" With the order given, the creature ran for the Leader. While Guila raced back into her carriage and closed every possible entrance with her Telekinesis.


    She had no idea how many of them were out there, or what weapons they had. But she chose to trust her companion.


    Then, she slammed her palms against the wall, and shut her eyes, as hard as she could.


    Outside, screams and roars could be heard over and over again. But she desperately tried to shut them out.


    Was Drako winning? Or was he losing?


    Sweat ran down her cheeks, and she bit down on her lip. She wanted to get back out there, immediately.


    What would Drako be thinking, now that she was hiding herself while he fought?


    But, she needed to stay in here, if they hoped to have a chance of winning.


    There was a reason that an adolescent Drake was what pulled the carriage, instead of the usual horse.


    It''s because the entire thing was made of metal. Hardened steel, to be exact.


    But she couldn''t manipulate it, as well as she could with her jewelry and gold attire. Those have had her Mana circulating through them, for at least a month. Thus, she could move them like a part of her own body.


    But this was manaless steel. Which meant she needed to place her own Mana into it first, before even being able to bend it.


    Time wasn''t on her side, though, as they started banging their weapons against the carriage, causing the inside to ring louder than a bell.


    Before long, she couldn''t even discern which of the noises was her companion, the enemy, or herself.


    Nevertheless, as the seconds continued to tick by...


    She felt her fingers sink into the wall.


    "...Yes!"


    With an ecstatic yell, she pulled the liquified steel towards herself, letting it crawl all over her body, before she was then pulled inside of it.


    She could feel the metal twining around her body, accentuating her curves to be as comfortable as possible, while allowing for her move as much as possible.


    Light soon came in through a thin visor that had formed and she was finally able to see the outside.


    There, stood Drako. Atop several mutilated corpses. Including that of the bandit leader.


    "Yes!"


    But he was staring blankly at her, with his mouth wide open.


    "Drak-?"


    The moment she was plopped out of the carriage, she took a foot-tall drop, and landed on her feet.


    After that, she couldn''t do anything else.


    Two dozen men and women, wearing thick, uniform black leather armor and armed with golden weapons, had surrounded her.


    Then, with a movement so fluid, and so soundless that there was no time to react, one of them thrusted a rapier right into her visor.


    The tip dug right in between her brows, and drew blood.


    "Surrender and kneel. Now."


    She didn''t listen. Or rather, she couldn''t. How could she?


    How was she supposed to react to all of this?


    All their weapons¡­


    The weapons they''ve used to capture her¡­


    Stamped with a rose coiled around a sword, and two initials in an elegant font.


    G.C.


    They were all hers.

 Chapter 6 - The Devil gives a Verdict

    "Drako. He..."


    I just froze, and stared at the lifeless eyes which stared back at me. His maw was half-open, and from it, his tongue hung out.


    On his back, were countless arrows sticking out. On the sides of his body, were deep gashes, and scattered about, along with the dismembered corpses, were his scales...


    "How long... Was I..." I could barely form any words.


    Despite the rapier against my forehead, I disengaged my armor, letting it slide off of me. Thus, the rapier was also forcefully brought down with it.


    The gash made on my cheek?


    I didn''t care in the slightest.


    "Two hours." One of them said. But, his voice didn''t register with me.


    I didn''t want to hear it.


    "These specialized lead rods slow the transfer of magic through materials by almost a hundred-fold."


    The same voice called out again.


    Just shut the fuck up! Shut the fuck up, please!


    I''d scream, if I could. But my voice was stuck at my throat.


    One step. Two steps. Three steps.


    I could feel the tears running down my cheeks, of my legs trembling violently, or my breathing turning shallow...


    But all of those started to fade. Much like the voices around me. The yelling in the distance.


    It didn''t concern me.


    "... Drako... ...! I''m so...! So... Sorry!" My voice cracked, and my vision blurred even further.


    I can see it now. His face, as he hatched from his egg...


    That funny call he always made when he was young...


    That time he tore through my wardrobe...


    That time that...


    He saved me.


    Again.


    And again.


    Despite being easily duped, or being out of his element, he still fought for me.


    He was always beside me.


    And now...


    "... I''m so sorry, for ever being angry at you...! I''m so sorry, Drako!"


    I tried to hug him. The corpse of my youngest sibling... Of my best friend. The little brother that was always there beside me.


    But...


    "LISTEN TO ME, GOLDEN WHORE!"


    I WAS YANKED AWAY FROM HIM!!!!!


    "Get away from me, you demons!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, resisting in whatever way that I could.


    I pushed, pulled, yanked, kicked, and bit.


    "LET ME GO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO, DEMONS!"


    Again, and again and again. I screamed, and I resisted. But...


    The more I tried, the farther I got away from him.


    "PLEASE!"


    I begged, while using all of my power to dig my thumbs into one of these devils.


    "JUST LET ME SAY GOODBYE!"


    My vision shook violently, I lost my sense of balance, and as his image finally disappeared from behind the treeline, I hit the forest floor, face first.


    I was hit.


    On my right cheek.


    It felt sore and surely bruised.


    I can taste blood in my mouth...


    I can feel a tooth that was loosened...


    Then, I got another punch. This time, I could see it coming for my left eye.


    Everything quickly got darker, and darker. I felt myself get dragged against thorny underbrush that tore into my skin. While the rocky ground was sure to give me more than just bruises.


    "....I''ll kill... you all.."


    Those were my last words, before my consciousness was finally torn away from me.


    And quite luckily too...


    I was just about to slam against a tree.


    I wonder how long they''d keep dragging me, for¡­


    *** *** ***


    "Ironic, isn''t it?"


    I could hear a voice nearby, from beyond the darkness.


    It was a voice that I absolutely abhorred... It was the voice of the devil that yanked me away from Drako...


    The devil that...!


    "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!"


    I roared at the top of my lungs, and immediately tried to jump at the direction of where the voice was.


    But...


    The most I could do, was a hop.


    As my vision finally began clearing, and my senses finally returned to me, I was met with a lot of pain all over my body.


    My joints were sore. I had several bruises all over, who knows how many cuts... My wrists were tied to a chair, and my ankles were tied to either side of the chair legs. Both were quite sore, too.


    But, what hurt and was also most damaged of all, was my face. I could feel the blood seeping out through my teeth, and dripping down my chin.


    I couldn''t see out of my left eye, and my right cheek... Was it broken? Even keeping my mouth closed hurts.


    I shouldn''t have screamed. But...


    I stared at the devil.


    There she was, sitting down, opposite to me, on the other side of a wooden table.


    Around me, were mossy stone walls. There was only one window, with bars in them. And a metal door. And, next to the wall, was a pile of old hay, along with a wooden bucket.


    A jail cell.


    No doubt about it.


    "Why did you bring me here?! Why did you attack me?!" I yelled, despite wincing due to the pain in my jaw. Coupled with the pang from my thigh, which...


    Oh no... It''s starting to bleed, again... This can''t be...!


    "Ahem. Why don''t we do introductions first, hm?" The devil cut off my line of thought. "My name is Pandora. I''m the current commander of this fort. Now it''s your turn."


    "Where am I?! Tell me, right now-" once again, I was cut off. Before I knew it, she had reached forward, grabbed the back of my head, and slammed me down into the table.


    "Ayiegh!" A disgusting, undignified cry escaped my lips. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Something that should never have ever happened....


    How can this be?!


    HOW CAN THIS BE?!


    WHO DOES THIS WENCH THINK SHE IS?!


    "I..." My voice was hoarse, but I tried to deal with the pain, and the spinning vision, as I raised my head. "I... am Guila Cassiana. And I will have your-"


    "Ahg!" Again, I was slammed back on the table like a damn bobblehead.


    "Introductions. Remember, Noblesse''? Not death threats."


    With her hands still on my head, I glared up at her. Forcing a grin, I let the saliva and blood in my mouth roll in my tongue...


    Then I spat it all right at her face, hitting right at her left eye.


    "I see..." She wiped it off with a gloved hand, before gripping my chin, and forced me to look up at her. "Do I need to punch out your other eye too, you whore?"


    "You can try. But It won''t get rid of that ugly scar across your face, which you fail to hide with that even-uglier mask."


    "You piece of..."


    "Heh-?!"


    Unfortunately, I didn''t get to revel in the enjoyment of being the one to tear her apart first.


    A flurry of punches were quickly delivered to my face, and to my gut.


    "Ugh... Gah...! Nngh...! Ahk! Gahack! Nnngh!!!!"


    Try as I might...


    It was impossible to stop myself from crying... Her black gloves had turned red. But the blood was soon washed away by my tears, as she continued to treat me like her punching bag.


    "Whooo...!" The devil whistled, while rolling her arms. Then, she sat down on the table, before pulling my hair up.


    "Now that we''ve gotten everything out of our systems. Let''s talk more seriously. What do you say?"


    "... As long as... Kahack!" I coughed blood and bile, while my mind repeatedly flashed white due to the pain. "... You say so... are you ready to answer... my questions, now...?"


    "You really are an arrogant bitch, aren''t you..." She scoffed, before backhanding me once. Then, twice. "But, since you helped me relieve some stress, I''ll tell you."


    "Right now. You''re in Bloodworms Keep. Somewhere right at the southern tip of Coalition Territory. Just 80 miles away from where we caught you.


    "We''ll be moving north soon, though. So don''t get too used to the place."


    She gave me a shit-eating grin, before pulling a pipe from behind her, and lit it.


    She even had the fall to blow it right at my face, causing me to curl up and cough again.


    "If you want to know why we captured you, then... I''m sure you already know the answer."


    But, hearing this, I froze again.


    Answer?


    What answer?


    "You really don''t know? I guess the Lady of Golden Steel didn''t do too well in History Class. Huh? Let me give you a quick run-down, then."


    She breathed in deeply, then exhaled a large cloud of smoke. I could only hope that she dies quickly because of this.


    "Do you know of the 37-year long war, between the Coalition and Helios?"


    Yes. I did. In fact, I was born during it. And it only ended four years ago, after the Coalition leader at the time surrendered and was executed.


    It wasn''t really a major war. More like a constant series of skirmishes between forts, and fortress cities. As well as trade route controls.


    It was only during the last few years that it actually got truly bloody...


    "The Coalition made the first shot, 41-years ago..." I slowly recounted, before quickly noticing what she was trying to do. "They burned the first town in Northern Helios too! What do I have to do with any of that?!"


    "Don''t you try to use the victim card here, ugly! War happens! It''s not my fault that you reaped what your country sowed!" I continued to scream at her face.


    "Ohohoho... You really don''t understand at all, do you?" She seemed taken aback. Not insulted. Not enraged.


    She literally took a step back, while her eyes widened at me.


    I''m gonna pluck those out of her, and offer them to Drako, if it''s the last thing I do...!


    "The escalation of the conflict. It started three years before it ended. Remember? Tell me, what significant thing happened during that period?"


    For a third time, I froze, and thought.


    Something significant... There were a lot of significant things happening that year...


    A new Champion of Daeva, and of Helios. The exile of a Princess, the vanquishment of an ancient Vampire...


    BUT! None of them had anything to with...


    "I..."


    "Oh? Do you finally remember, Guila Cassiana." She grinned even brighter, taking the pipe out of her mouth and tapped the contents out into an ashtray.


    "I... joined the war... as a manufacturer..." I continued meekly. But, quickly, I once again yelled. "WHAT DOES THAT MATTER?! I WASN''T THE ONLY ONE!"


    But despite yelling, I was immediately silenced by her hand gripping my neck.


    "Don''t be dumb. Do you really think that you''re ''just like the rest''? You must be crazy."


    "L-let... Me..." My vision started to darken, once again. Was this going to keep happening!? "... go...! I can''t... breathe...!"


    "Why don''t you try remembering that day again? Maybe even try to remember where I was among the people attending it."


    "Fuck... You...!"


    *** *** ***


    I was back here.


    Beside my father who held my hand, as we walked down to the crowd that had gathered.


    All of them had their eyes on me. And for good reason.


    Father invited them here, for me.


    For his daughter.


    His eldest daughter. The one most likely to inherit the household, and his position.


    This was their chance to sum me up, and I had no plans to let them think that my father had been incompetent at raising me.


    I let go of his hand, and proceeded to walk forward on my own.


    Then I stopped, just a few feet away from them, gripped the edges of my dress, and curtsied.


    "Thank you, everyone for coming here today." I said with a smile, before placing my hands together, above my stomach.


    "I know some of you here, have heard of me before. Others didn''t even know of my existence, before the invitation arrived at your doorstep, weeks ago."


    "But, that doesn''t really matter." I shook my head, while still keeping the subtle mannerisms of nobility. Like holding one elbow, and holding my cheek with the other hand.


    "Everyone here is either an Arm''s Dealer. An investor. Or a member of a major military family from every large nation in Western Eldingar."


    "And I¡­" with an exaggerated hand gesture, I placed my fingers against my chest, and bowed. "I humbly wish to cement my position amongst all of you."


    "If you look behind me, you can see what remains of Mount Killian. 600 years ago. There was a project to build a city here, so it needed to be removed. But they were forced to stop when only a fifth remained, after 12 years of work. Due to budgeting problems."


    "I intend to complete that project for them."


    Then, with a flick of her worst, a loud, almost violent humming could be heard.


    Louder and louder, it became. Until eventually, the wind from the east was replaced by wind from the south.


    "Ladies and Gentlemen! I give you, my skyship. My beautiful child. The Vimana 1!"


    Indeed, it was exactly as she said. There it was, a ship the size of a brigantine. No. It WAS a brigantine. Just without the mast and the sails. Which was replaced by a gigantic balloon.


    In addition, were what looked to be two cylinders on either side of where the rudder was.


    "Powered by my new, improved mana engines, it allows the skyship to achieve speeds and perform maneuvers that can allow them to even be proper threats to Dragon Knights. Not to mention it''s efficiency. Which only requires two mid-tier mages to power!"


    "But, this is not my crown jewel. No¡­ I still intend to make good on my promise. So, here. Please. I urge everyone to look away for the next couple seconds. And¡­"


    I paused.


    "Fire."


    Something flew from one of the ship''s mounted ballista, while whistling loudly, as it did. It wasn''t an arrow. Rather, it was more akin to a pill.


    It drew an arc as it continued to fly.


    And then, it hit.


    A flash of bright white light immediately engulfed everything, followed by an even more powerful gust of wind. One which brought dirt and debris with them.


    But, luckily for them everyone present was either a mage, or accompanied by one. They were able to deal with the aftermath with no real worry.


    And¡­


    As the dust finally settled¡­


    They saw it.


    What was once 300 meters tall, and around a mile wide, had been reduced to half its size. Not only that, but a crater had also been produced, around 50 meters deep and 200 meters wide.


    "It works by setting a charge, before detonating the Mana within its immediate surroundings. Thus, creating a chain reaction that destroys anything nearby."


    With that explained, I patted myself off, and smiled at my audience, once again. Regardless of the molten stone background behind me.


    "In addition to the enchantable weapons that I will soon be putting into circulation, I was hoping that this would be enough to allow myself a place amongst your group."


    "That¡­" I then paused. I think it was due to stage fright finally taking hold, at that point.


    "... And I also plan to sell. Now that I have wasted one. That leaves 4 remaining of this one of a kind, destructive weapon."


    "M-might I ask why there''s¡­ only been five?" One of them raised their hand. It was a man around the same age as me. Of course, I immediately recognized him.


    "Yes, Sir Von Drach. It''s because there aren''t any materials left to produce a sixth one."


    That was a lie, that, at the same time, was true¡­


    But¡­


    I get it.


    This was my sin.


    *** *** ***


    I woke up, no longer tied to the chair. Instead, I now had lead cuffs around my wrists and ankles.


    I now had bandages, and some oitments applied to me, as well.


    The soreness was still there. But the stinging was gone. And the bandage for my thigh, was also replaced.


    So I didn''t need to fear infection, or the possibility of bleeding out. Not that they''d ever allow that to happen, anyway.


    I still couldn''t see from my left eye, though.


    I took a couple more seconds to recollect myself, and finally raised my head.


    There she was, the Devil. Still sitting on the table. With an almost full ashtray beside her. And... Right in front of me, on the table, was a meal on a wooden bowl.


    It was porridge.


    "They... promptly used all of the God''s Finger''s on the Coalition, didn''t they?" I whispered weakly.


    "Yes. They did. All of your buyers. At the same time. Your weapons scared them so much, they didn''t want to risk others having it. But, rather than go to war with each other-"


    "... They used it on you."


    "Yes. Now do you understand? It wasn''t the Coalition that attacked a Helios Town first. It was Sylven, Calimus, Helios and Nijaen that wiped out 6 cities'' worth of innocents, first. Using your weapons." With that said, she placed her pipe down, and got off the table. "If you just didn''t sell those. The war would''ve ended a month later, as the Coalition had started to break apart. But that event, was a rallying cry for everyone."


    "Now that you understand, just sit there and wait like a good war criminal. We''ll give you a fair trial. On our grounds."


    I couldn''t say anything at all.


    I just stared blankly at the table.


    I¡­


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    ¡­ I just wanted¡­ to be recognized¡­

 Chapter 7 - Hells Rusted Chains that Tighten and Cut

    I just stared at the porridge.


    There was no way that I was going to eat.


    It wasn''t even made well. It was runny, and looked more like it was just rice that had way too much water added.


    They wouldn''t try to poison me, would they...?


    But, I''m sure they''d try to inflict as much pain into me, as possible.


    I''ve had some time to think...


    And...


    ...


    This was utter nonsense!


    What crime were they going to convict me with? Weapons dealing? The famine and poverty from the war would''ve killed so much more people than my God''s Finger. No matter how destructive it was.


    They... They must be insisting that it was my fault, to try and-


    NRRRRRNGH!!!!


    "Argh...!"


    The rusty door opened with an ear-scratching creak, making me grip my ears tightly...


    W-wait... It wasn''t this loud before... Was it...?


    "I heard you haven''t eaten, or even slept. It''s already morning, you know. We''re leaving in ten minutes." Pandora, the Devil, was the one that walked in, with a pipe in one hand, and a golden saber hanging from her waist.


    "Wench..." I called out weakly, gripping my knees tightly, as I struggled to push myself off of the chair, and stand up.


    "Tell me... And be honest.." I stared straight into her eyes, trying to muster whatever magic I could. But, to no avail.


    The lead cuffs and anklets were doing their jobs perfectly.


    "Sure. Why not. Ask away."


    "This isn''t... Uhk...!" I nearly choked on the blood which had clogged on my throat, but I forcefully washed it down with my spit. "This isn''t... really about me... Is it?"


    "Well, you''re certainly the valedictorian of the Calimus College, aren''t you?" Pandora answered with a chuckle, before blowing from her pipe.


    "That''s right. It''s not really about you. Or what you did. It''s about making sure that the Coalition doesn''t start picking fight again with other countries or with each other."


    "You don''t have to worry. There''s no plans of executing you." She continued, before grabbing the cheap, faded linen shirt they''ve given me, and yanked me closer to her. "You''ll just be a prisoner, or maybe do some odd jobs, for the rest of your life."


    "A constant reminder of what we should always avoid, and why. If you cooperate, then we''ll be virtuous with you. The High Brass would be even kinder, if you write to your family, that you''re doing this voluntarily."


    "But..." She grinded the hot end of the pipe against my forehead, causing me to wince.


    I tried to take a step back. But, her grip was tight. And I was practically hanging off of her hand.


    "... Nnnhh...!" I grit my teeth, desperate to keep the tears from leaving.


    ...


    ... I doubt I''d be able to succeed. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    I was under this devil''s mercy.


    "Please. Please try and resist as much as possible. While those at the top do understand that you''re just a means to an end. The populace like myself think, just a tad bit differently."


    "So..." Finally, she pulled the pipe back. Most likely, there was already a bright red mark left there.


    I''m sure that she''s enjoying that... Seeing me like this...


    This... Sadistic... Wench...


    "... Hehehe... I like that. Keep glaring at me, as hard as you can. Now. Let''s go."


    Before I knew it, two burly soldiers walked in with grave expressions on their faces, with one of them brandishing...


    "A COLLAR?!" I yelled, and immediately tried to pry myself out of the woman''s grip.


    "YOU''RE NOT DOING THIS TO ME! YOU CANT!"


    I screamed at the top of my lungs, swung my head all over the place, and desperately tried to pry her fingers off of me.


    But the terrible sound of a metallic click, echoed painfully in my mind.


    ...


    "... no..."


    I was collared.


    "... please..."


    Like a dog.


    "... take this off of me..."


    Like a pet.


    "I promise... I won''t... resist..."


    Like... an animal.


    "Just... take it off of me... please...!"


    I wasn''t human, anymore...


    And all I could see through my tears, and blurred vision, was the twisted smile on my captor, and the disdainful looks of her lackeys.


    "Let''s walk you out of the fort. Your brand new carriage is waiting for you, after all."


    My heritage...


    My status...


    My talent...


    My... Everything...


    I''ve... just lost it all...


    And they reveled in it.


    Unable to even say another word, I was yanked out of the cell.


    Losing my footing, I was brought to my knees.


    And then I saw it.


    All around me, were Coalition soldiers.


    All of them jeering, others cheering. And many of them, calling for my immediate death.


    With my captor slowly walking in front pulling me along, the mob gathered around me.


    "Ahhhhk!" They yanked at my hair.


    "Ahg!" One of them threw a punch, out of nowhere and hit me squarely in the gut. They hit me so hard that I was lifted in the air for a split-second.


    "Ahng!!" But I couldn''t rest yet. Immediately as I landed, and was about to curl up, someone else kicked at my back, forcing me back upright.


    "Please!" I begged.


    "Plea-!"  A backhand to my cheek.


    "Ple-!" A knee to my side.


    "... pl... ease..." As blood colored my already-beaten face, my tears only made the rest of my body, even more.


    Even as they yanked my hair back, kicked, and punched me, whenever I was just about to fall down, one of them would shove me back up, to take another hit.


    And... There was nothing I could do about it...


    The lynching continued, for what seemed like forever, to the point that I couldn''t even feel the pain, anymore.


    Forced into silence, I was flung around and I just received it all.


    Until, I finally saw light.


    The fortress door.


    I could see the bright blue sky, the blowing white clouds, the rustling trees, and the gliding birds.


    I cried...


    Even more than I already was...


    All the things that I once took for granted...


    I now saw it differently.


    Rather than salvation... Rather than peace, or a helping hand. I saw it all, as my welcome greeting, to a life of continued suffering.


    And there it was...


    The destination that the devils were leading me towards...


    A pig cage, barely two meters tall, was sitting atop a rickety hay cart.


    "... ... no... Please... no... I don''t deserve to be..." I was silenced by another backhand, making my vision spin again.


    ...


    My weapons were in their hands.


    My prided magic was made impotent.


    My heritage...


    My status...


    My talent...


    My... Everything...


    I''ve... just lost it all¡­


    Like I was headed for the slaughterhouse, I was carried by my limbs, and thrown inside with no regard for my safety - immediately slamming into the bars.


    And finally, I blacked out.


    By some small grace of Divines, I didn''t need to stand the stench of fecal matter.

 Chapter 8 - A Disgusting Tramp in the Rain

    I don''t know how long I''ve been in this cage.


    I haven''t even been able to sit up properly. Either, I was constantly slouching¡­


    Or lying on my side, staring behind us¡­


    ¡­ just wishing for another chance.


    Father... Bandits¡­ a monster¡­ a dragon¡­


    Anything¡­ I''d take anything at all¡­!


    But, there was no such thing.


    Instead, what consolation I was to receive, came in the form of cool rain.


    Hence, here we were, taking camp in a road between where I was lynched, and where my suffering was to continue.


    But, frankly¡­ I didn''t care anymore.


    I had no more reason to care.


    I was a prisoner.


    No different to a dog.


    Befitting of the cage I was placed in.


    But¡­!


    I wasn''t going to keep sleeping with dried-up fecal matter.


    No more brooding.


    I may be a dog now. But, I intend to be the dog who does the best with what she has.


    Thanks to the rain, I had more than enough water dripping through the bars overhead of my cage.


    "...Hehehe¡­" I giggled weakly, before taking off the soiled shirt I''ve worn for¡­ I don''t know.


    Thus, I revealed my body to the men who hid within the nearby cave.


    I had no bra on, and I didn''t care. A dog doesn''t need clothes, anyway.


    I was more worried about my bruises and my cuts.


    They''ve already dried and scabbed, so I had no worries of getting an infection.


    But, it doesn''t change the fact that looking at myself was the most painful thing I''ve ever had to endure, though¡­


    So much more painful than any lynching they could inflict on me.


    My once-perfect, supple white skin was now discolored with dark blue, and dark red blots.


    Joining those discolorations, were the now-uncomfortable blood that had caked and dried on me.


    That''s not even counting the numerous fractures and consussions they''ve given me.


    "..."


    I paused and stared at myself, letting the rain wash the gunk away.


    "... It doesn''t matter anymore."


    It didn''t matter anymore.


    It didn''t matter... anymore.


    I repeated it three more times, in my head. And when I did, I was finally able to smile brighgly.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "Right! The rain won''t be here forever¡­!"


    With an unspoken ''thank you'' to the skies, I used the shirt as a scrubber, trying to get the tougher gunk off of me.


    But, at the same time¡­


    "Nnghk!"


    I also needed to be careful with my bruises. They hurt enough, when I did absolutely nothing about them.


    "Mmk!"


    Despite accidentally reopening a few cuts, I just kept going.


    I needed to be clean, if I had any hope of being the best dog possible.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    I didn''t know why.


    But oddly enough, as the rain formed a thick curtain which hid everything beyond a couple feet, and battered against me, the water that washed across my face was warm.


    The sky really was kind. Regardless of the bright flashes of light, and thunderous roars it released.


    How did it know that it was getting chilly?


    Thank you so much.


    "Hehehehehe¡­!"


    With a bright smile on my face, I was energized!


    Once I was done with my upper body, I immediately got started on cleaning my cage.


    This was the best time to do it, after all!


    Bent over and on my knees, I scrubbed at the dried fecal matter, which was being soaked and softened. Thus, being more easily washed away.


    The increased stench was only temporary, so I didn''t mind enduring it.


    The relaxing warmth on my cheeks helped alleviate whatever disgust I may have felt, anyway.


    So I was able to work with no reservations, whatsoever.


    Until¡­


    The chill went away. And I could no longer feel the beating rain on my back.


    "How?" I asked weakly, and raised my head, wondering what the second gift the gift the skies gave me, was.


    Leaves.


    Or rather¡­ a large branch was there, acting as a roof. Of course, water still managed to make its way though. And the chilling wind was also still there.


    Then, I finally noticed him. Out in the rain, with his hands on my cage''s roof.


    A male Coalition soldier. Around the same age as me, with dull brown hair and soft, dark-blue eyes. He had his mask on, so I couldn''t see the rest of his face.


    There was no need to see it, though.


    "NOOOO! PLEASE STOP! I''LL BE A GOOD PRISONER!"


    Almost immediately, I recoiled, kicked against the cage, and clung desperately to the other side. Shutting my eyes, as I dreaded what would come next.


    Then, horrified, and screaming at the top of my lungs, I heard him approach.


    But¡­


    Nothing happened.


    Time went by, and I heard heavy, splashy footsteps get farther and farther away, before disappearing completely.


    Only then, did I finally open my eyes.


    What I saw¡­


    Was rope, all around the cage.


    The leafy canopy had been secured into place.


    And¡­ near the edge of the cage, was a small bar of white-


    "S-soap¡­?"


    I held it gently, and closely to myself.


    Was it trapped? We''re the ingredients used actually going to give me rash? Did they have plans for me, after I washed myself?


    So many questions raced through my mind, as I tried to understand the man''s motives.


    But all of those were quickly discarded.


    I stared at my reflection in the puddle around me, before the image of my beaten face was further distorted by large droplets causing ripples.


    I was finally able to notice them.


    My tears¡­


    "I''m not a dog¡­" Hands shaking, I took off my shorts, and finally applied the soap on myself.


    Though the jangling chain and collar around my neck would say otherwise, I knew who I was¡­


    "I''m still human¡­ thank you¡­ thank you¡­"


    *** *** ***


    "Why did you do that? The Commander wouldn''t be happy, you know?"


    Back in the cave, two young men, with one drenched, walked down a short tunnel to where the rest of the group was.


    "She''s a prisoner. I doubt the Commander would enjoy it very much, if she was sick, don''t you think?"


    "You''re way too nice, of a person.." His dry companion shrugged his shoulders, and then slapped him on the back. "You better get changed, though. I''ll attend the briefing for you. Don''t worry."


    "Thanks."


    With that said, the two split up. WithBWith one running back up the way they came. But, even from far away, they could hear their Commander''s voice echo loud and clear.


    "What do you mean that we''ve lost contact with the other forts?!"

 Chapter 9 - A Dissident in her Hell

    We haven''t moved.


    The rain''s already stopped since a couple hours ago, but¡­ they''re still inside the cave, for some reason.


    Is¡­


    Are they dead¡­?


    If possible, I hope not.


    I¡­


    I''d rather not die unceremoniously in this cage.


    If I''m gonna die at my lowest point¡­


    Can it a least be just a bit more dignified, with a couple thousand watching me?


    "No! No. No."


    I shook my head, as I continued to shiver in my cage.


    It was still incredibly cold. And, even though the roof had helped, I was still drenched, and there was an inch-deep puddle in my cage, due to how it was designed.


    "I won''t let myself die, in such a state¡­ I''m a human. I''m¡­"


    I¡­


    I know I''m conflicted.


    I pushed myself up, completely naked, with my clothing hanging from the side.


    On all fours, I gripped at my cage door, glaring at the hinges.


    They were rusted, much like the rest of the structure.


    But not compromised.


    Scratching the rust off with my longer, though damaged fingernails, showed that it was only surface damage.


    Same could be said for the lock which¡­


    Wait¡­


    I stared blankly at the lock that was bigger than my fist.


    A lockpick?


    Where? How?


    I immediately discarded the idea. I knew about locks. I made many in my spare time.


    But, that was when I had my magic.


    I¡­


    I don''t know the first thing about using my hands for¡­


    Anything at all.


    "..."


    I froze in thought, once again. Not like the cold wasn''t freezing enough, already.


    Surgery? Anyone could think about that.


    But, the reason¡­


    The reason I was so easily captured¡­


    The reason that I¡­ that I let Drako die¡­


    It was because¡­


    I relied too much, on my magic, for everything that did¡­


    "My hubris¡­ and my laziness¡­" I muttered weakly, before slumping over, once again.


    I felt defeated.


    Then, I banged my head against the cage!


    Again!


    Again!Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    And Again!


    I accepted the pain.


    I accepted the bleeding.


    "I was so proud¡­ of six years of preparation. But¡­the moment that I lose my magic¡­!!!"


    I saw it.


    With my face, plastered against the bars.


    I could see it.


    In the bottom corner of my eye.


    The barrel lock on my cage.


    It was thin and short.


    Of course it would be.


    "Heh...hahahaha¡­!"


    Of course, it would be thin!


    This cage was for animals! They wanted to humiliate me!


    The lock was the only heavy-duty thing!


    Here was my chance.


    With still none of them leaving the cave, and with night taking over¡­


    THIS WAS MY ESCAPE!!


    With one more hushed chuckle, I channeled whatever Mana I could, despite my restraints.


    Given my heightened magical senses, I could feel my Mana get dispersed the moment they tried to pass through my cuffs.


    But I kept going.


    Just enough Mana to change its shape and density.


    That was all that I needed.


    More and more, and more.


    To the point that I could feel exhaustion for the very first time, in my entire life.


    I knew my Mana. I had far, far more, than all of my captors combined and tripled.


    But¡­


    They really weren''t kidding about this specialized lead.


    My mind went hazy, my breathing turned erratic, and my heartbeat quickened.


    But, I could feel it.


    My hand.


    On the tip of my finger.


    There was enough. Enough for a split-second of work.


    "Thank you¡­ thank you¡­"


    Slowly, I reached my hand out¡­


    Just one tap on the bolt, was all that I needed.


    Then, I''d be free.


    "What are you doing?" A deep, but youthful voice called out.


    A couple feet away, was surely a male Coalition soldier. With a strong, but lean build. Though, he was wearing regular clothing.


    Dull brown hair and¡­ blue eyes. It was the same person who gave me a roof.


    And, in his hands were a bowl of something steamy, and¡­


    Clothes.


    I stared back at him, conflicted.


    "Tell me, now. What are you doing?"


    "I..."


    But, before I could even decide on what to say, the door creaked open.


    I was free.


    We both stared at each other, for just a split-second.


    Then I immediately ran for it.


    With my muddled mind, and my heavy breathing, I desperately ran.


    I fast as I could possibly force my legs to.


    But the mud, and the gravelly earth didn''t help me.


    One step.


    Five steps.


    Ten steps.


    The forest was so close now!


    But, I could hear him chasing for me. Making loud splashes with every powerful stomp.


    "My freedom! My freedo-!"


    I was slammed forward, making me lose my footing, before thick arms coiled around my neck and my waist.


    "NOOOOOOOOO!!!"


    I screeched loudly, resisting him in any way that I could, bit into his arm, and scratched at him, while I was forced to stare at my freedom get farther and farther away, as I was dragged back.


    My hell wouldn''t let me go.


    Why would it?


    My screams must''ve alerted the rest, because more of the soldiers raced out of their cages, yelling.


    Then, I heard her voice.


    The Devil''s voice, from behind.


    "Good job, Private Anthony. Bring her back in."


    "Y-yes, Commander!"


    "Now, as for you¡­"


    She stepped around, looking down on me, while still hiding her scarred face behind that ugly mask, andstomped her steel-toed boots on my foot.


    "Aiiieeegh!!!"


    I could hear my bones creak. But maybe I was lucky that she was just a woman. Just like me.


    They didn''t feel broken...


    "YOU LITTLE PIECE OF SHIT! I TOLD YOU, YOU''D REGRET NOT COOPERATING!"


    "AAAAAAAAGH!"


    I screamed again, whimpering loudly, as spit and blood ran down my chin. Then, just I magmnaged to process that pain, I felt herboot sink and grind into my already tenderized gut. Meanwhile, the soldier, Anthony, held me in place.


    Next, I received another back hand, one of so many, nearly blacking out, as my vision spun.


    Recoiling, I saw another punch come for my face. To which, I immediately winced, and looked away.


    But¡­


    She missed.


    I was yanked back, as soon as she readied her swing.


    I was¡­


    "Commander!" The man yelled, next to my ear. "She will die if you keep attacking her like this."


    And¡­


    I could see him, from the top corner of my eyes, he was glaring at the Devil.


    He was¡­


    ¡­


    ..


    .


    He was protecting me¡­?

 Chapter 10 - The Sinners Caretaker

    "Care to say that again, Private?"


    The Devil seemed to relent, and crossed her arms.


    But it didn''t take a genius to know that she was angry.


    No. Not just angry. She wanted to kill someone.


    Most likely me.


    That lookin her eyes made it seem like she didn''t care who she killed, though.


    Was she going to kill him, instead¡­


    ¡­


    ..


    .


    Do it then. Hurry up. Fight each other. I''ll use that as my chance to escape.


    Hurry up!


    Have a falling out!


    Come on!


    Quickly, now!


    I tried to make sure it wasn''t shown in my expression, though.


    I couldn''t let her think that I was having ideas. Otherwise, I might be to crippled by the time I get that chance.


    "... Yes, Commander." Though a bit slow to reply, the man nodded. "She is a prisoner, is she not?"


    "Lord Maldan told us that she was to be brought to him, as quickly as possible, and in one piece."


    "So?" She answered back, with her chin raised high. How I wish I could kick that, just like you did to me.


    The moment that I get out of here¡­! The moment that I find myself free, THAT''S THE FIRST THING I''LL DO!


    Mark my words!


    Oh crap.


    She noticed. She''s glaring at me, now.


    No!


    Please!


    No!


    "Tsk¡­ We''re doing that right now, aren''t we, Soldier? If you thought I was going to fail Maldan, then-"


    "Lord Maldan told us that she was to be brought, as soon as possible. The stop at Bloodworm''s Keep was one thing. But why do you insist that we wait for confirmation from Forts and Towns that detour from our main route to the capital?"


    ¡­ what¡­?


    I couldn''t believe it.


    The Devil looked quite annoyed too.


    She wasn''t done with tormenting me, is that it?!


    This wench!


    I tried to get out of the man''s tight grip.


    Not to escape.


    No.


    I''m done with that!


    I want to tear this wench''s eyes out!


    THIS WENCH! THIS FUCKING DEVIL!


    "Grrr.... GRRRRRAAAAAH!!!"


    But, he was sturdy. While I was put into a position where I couldn''t stand up properly, and was forced to keep staring at the top of the trees.


    Thus, needing to strain my neck, just in order to see the wench''s accursed face.


    "You want to know why, Private¡­?"


    I saw her approach, and almost immediately I shut up, and hid my face away from her l, curling up as much as I could.


    I didn''t want to turn away.


    I wanted to face her, glaring hatefully¡­


    But I was still weak.


    I needed to be obedient for now.


    "Heh¡­" I heard her laugh.


    She was so close to me, just within arm''s length. But the soldier wouldn''t drag me away from her.


    What are you doing! I wanted to tell at the man holding me in place.


    Hurry up!


    Before she-This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "To think it only took me that much, to make you fear me."


    ¡­


    ...


    ¡­ what?


    I don''t¡­


    I wanted to refute her! To try and bite her!


    But I couldn''t bring myself to look at her!


    Not when she was this close!


    "Well then, we''ve accomplished what I wanted to. So I guess there''s no problem with returning to the original plan."


    "Good call, Private Anthony." She slapped him on the shoulder, before I could finally hear her walk away. "It seems I''ve overestimated her."


    "Oh. I''m putting you in charge of her, Private. Wouldn''t want her to completely break apart, before she was brought to Maldan. Now, put her back in her cage, and make use of the chain around her neck. I''m sure the door has been broken already."


    I was¡­


    Silent.


    I couldn''t react.


    I couldn''t even gather the will to yell at her, as I stared at her receding figure.


    I was¡­


    I was scared.


    No. I was frightened.


    ¡­ of her.


    My lips, my arms, my entire body was trembling.


    "Yes, Commander."


    What broke me out of my stupor, was him answering. Then, I felt his grip loosen around me.


    But, my knees just buckled, and I slid down his body.


    "...?!"


    Luckily, he managed to catch me before I fell rump-first into the mud.


    He was way too nice with me, it wasn''t rea-?!


    A loud ring echoed in my ears, and my vision blurred.


    What had just¡­?


    My cheek stung.


    He backhanded me. His hand in the air, with his knuckles red.


    "Get up. Prisoner."


    He yanked me higher, dragged my legs across the ground, and forced me up my feet.


    "Unless you''d rather that I throw you in. You''d walk of your own accord." He commanded, before pushing me forward.


    ... Oh.


    Even you, huh¡­?


    I barely managed to take two steps, before my knees buckled again, and I kneeled in the mud.


    I was so incompetent¡­


    I was so shocked¡­


    Why¡­? Why in the world did I think that there was someone who would¡­


    "Get up."


    He yanked me back up again, set me upright, then shoved me forward for a second time.


    One shaky step. Two¡­


    Then three¡­


    Four¡­


    Five¡­


    My knees buckled again.


    "... nooo-?!"


    But this time, I didn''t fall into the mud.


    His arm was around my chest, keeping me suspended.


    "Did your legs already atrophy after such a short time?! Get up!"


    I paused.


    I didn''t understand.


    What was he doing with me?


    "I guess you''d rather not eat and get dressed again, huh? Is that it, Prisoner?"


    ¡­ no. Why would I want that...?


    I stared at my cage, and there they were.


    The bowl, and the change of clothes that he had brought with him. The water puddle had also drained out completely.


    "...no¡­!"


    I gasped, and pushed myself up, as hard as I could.


    "... Who the hell¡­ do you think you are¡­ talking to¡­ huh¡­?"


    One step.


    Two.


    Three.


    Hugging myself tightly, I endured the blistering wind, the cold mud and water which soiled me from the knees down, and my drenched hair.


    Closer, and closer, and closer, I approached the cage, while exhaling white mist.


    And finally, I reached it.


    Desperately, I gripped the bars tightly, and barely kept myself upright.


    But, I had a bright smile on my face.


    I did it.


    I succeeded!


    "Good. Two weeks of being on your side didn''t make you weak and lame, after all." I heard him say from behind me. Before I felt his hands in my waist.


    I felt weightless, for what was probably the first time of life.


    I was too tired to even yelp, but I was carried up, and made to sit upon the space of the cart, just outside my carriage door.


    "You heard the Commander. You''ll be under my care from now on. Which means you''ll be keeping yourself clean, and your body in good shape. I have no plans of dealing with a cripple "


    He continued, before taking off his jacket, and wrapped it around my back.


    It was thick, wooly and warm.


    "Be obedient like a good prisoner, and I''ll treat you as well as possible."


    It was the same words that the Devil told me. But this time, I just nodded meekly.


    Then, I watched him take the rags I''ve hung out to dry, and used it to wipe my muddy legs clean.


    "W-w-why¡­?" Even with the jacket. It was way too cold. "... are y-y-you doing this f-for me¡­?"


    I had every reason to be suspicious. After all. What if this was just another ploy to further bring me down?


    "Why¡­?" Heasked back, staring up at me with that finely-chiseled, but youthful face. "... Let''s just say that I am thankful for you, in some way. Would that be enough?"


    No.


    There''s no way that would be enough.


    But, I didn''t press on.


    Was it because I didn''t want to irritate him?


    Or was it because I didn''t really care about his reasons, and I was just relieved he was helping me.


    Maybe it was a mixture of both.


    "Now. Do you need help changing? Or can you do it yourself?" He said, before taking the clothes from the side, and placed them on my lap.


    "Unless you''re fine with being naked for some reason."


    "N-no¡­! Please¡­! I¡­ I can handle it myself¡­" He seemed like he was just about to pull the clothes back, but I gripped onto them, as desperately as I could.


    "I-if you could just¡­"


    "Turn around? Not possible. I can''t risk you trying another escape. Just change in front of me. If I was going to do anything to you, I would''ve done it already."


    "... I¡­" ''... am a noble, mind you!''


    I was just about to answer him with an angry, pale-red face.


    Like I probably would''ve done so, just a couple days ago.


    But, now¡­?


    "... Okay¡­" I nodded again, just as meekly.


    "Thank you¡­ very much¡­"


    Even with my body being damaged as it is, I was still shy to have someone that was probably my age, staring down at me, as I changed.


    So, I turned to the side, towards the cave entrance.


    "..." I sighed in my mind and my shoulders slumped.


    ... I should''ve expected as much.


    Over there, I saw three men staring at us. And it wasn''t the friendly kind of gaze. Not that I expected them to have any such feelings for me.


    But, they were much more hostile than the others.


    It seems that even with the Devil now satisfied, it was still far from over.

 Chapter 11 - The Beaten Dog finally Bites Back

    Now dressed in clothes that were more than a size too large for me, I watched Anthony tie the chain that was around my neck, around the cage door.


    Then, it was locked in place, by reusing the padlock from the now-defunct barrel bolt.


    But, though I was silent, I wasn''t just watching. Nor was I just waiting for him to hand the bowl of¡­


    Whatever the hell that was, to me. It was surely food, though.


    ***


    A couple days have passed since then. We''re currently camped near a cliff face, just outside of a forest.


    I''ve been able to get out of my cage, regularly. No more being cooped up.


    But only with Anthony constantly holding my leash.


    Nevertheless, I''ve been getting my daily exercise. And eat twice a day.


    Every other day, he makes sure to bring me a small basin of water, and with that, I wash myself clean.


    He was always keeping a close eye on me, though.


    Of course, I was shy at first.


    But¡­ after a while, I just came to accept him as part of my life now.


    He wasn''t gentle, by any means.


    I can''t even count how many times he''s shoved me forward, when I don''t follow the protocol.


    But, he''s never backhanded me again, or did anything to hurt me, other than that one time.


    Everything else he''s done, was more so encouragement, than just indiscriminate punishment.


    Or maybe¡­ that''s wrong.


    And I''ve actually¡­ somehow been conditioned to find him likeable.


    I doubt it.


    But¡­ I can''t really deny it either.


    Every time he''s around, I can hear a small melody in the distance. I like to hope that it''s just my stress, though.


    But, even that stress was going away, as I saw my bruises and wounds slowly fade.


    Something which made me smile brighter with every passing day.


    Once my two hours of outside time was up, it was time to return to my cage¡­ no. I suppose it''s my room now, for the night.


    He had given me a proper roof, and some beddings too. Which I''m sure he bought with his own money, when we passed by a caravan.


    Of course, thankful for that, I followed his instructions, as much as I could.


    This time, I didn''t even need to be told, before I climbed back into my cage and hung my chain out the bars. Waiting for him to lock it.


    "Good girl."


    ¡­


    I''ve... had a lot to think about...


    For one. Trauma.


    Hardly preposterous, but I seem to have developed it.


    Whenever I even think of her, I just begin shivering uncontrollably¡­


    She really did¡­ somehow¡­ manage to break me.


    Then there was¡­


    "Here. Eat."


    This guy, who always acted the exact opposite with me.


    "... Thank you."


    I received the bowl, and decided to eat the now cold¡­


    Porridge again, huh¡­?


    "I''ll be back in the morning. Sleep tight."


    I merely nodded in response, before turning away.


    Then, I stared at the cuffs around my wrists and ankles.


    Lead.


    Lead is soft. If I remember correctly.


    No matter how much they reinforce it, they''d still have to keep most of the item pure, otherwise the effects would be lost.


    Unfortunately, without magic, grinding it against the cage was my only real method of breaking it. But that just meant it was practically impossible.


    So, I thought of using their weapons. But of course, nobody would be dumb enough to leave their swords or axes out in the open, when I''m around.


    Thirdly, there was the iron chain around my neck. It was the second toughest thing here.


    But¡­


    My line of thought was broken, when I felt the cage jolt, and my porridge was spilt.


    Unbeknownst to me, the three men from that night, two weeks ago, who glared at me and Anthony, had now gathered around my cage, with their hands on the bars.


    Oddly enough, I feel like I''ve known them for a very long time. I feel that way for all of my captors, somehow.


    I''m guessing that''s because their drinking and eating stories are my only entertainment. So I always perk my ears up.


    They were pretty rude this time, though. So, I was going to act the same way with them.


    "What...?"


    I asked them, as I tried to sit upright, though to no avail.


    "Are you here to beat me up too, now that your Commander won''t do it? You sure waited a long time, didn''t you?"


    "You bitch¡­" Only one of them responded to my taunt. Given the long unkempt hair, and the scar on his face, it should be safe to assure that he was their group leader.


    Meanwhile, the other two were exactly like what you''d expect from followers. A bit more kempt, but completely overshadowed by their leader.


    "I''ve been called that enough to be desensitized to it, don''t you think?" I responded quickly, before lying back down on my side. No drinking tonight, it seemed. So I wanted to rest.


    I also wasn''t really that hungry, I guess.


    Wait¡­


    I wasn''t... afraid of them, for some reason.


    They''re brawnier, and there are more of them too. I''d have a much more likely chance of dying to them.


    But¡­ unlike the Devil. They don''t¡­


    No.


    What good does that really matter?


    Until I can somehow get over that trauma. Then, I should just continue planning, and ignore them, while I can.


    "Oi!" The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Once again, I felt the jolt of my cage being shaken.


    "Listen to me when I''m talking, you bitch!"


    It was a small cage, after all. Three men together, would be able to shake me around like a snow globe, if they wanted to.


    "Shut up, Barbarian! Do you want to break the cage, or something?!"


    Hm¡­?


    That''s it¡­!


    No¡­ wait¡­


    Is it¡­?


    What would I do when that¡­ it''s decided.


    It may be a bit rash. But I might have a trick up my sleeve.


    "Oh. You just want me to listen?" I laughed, before rolling over, and turned my back to him. "Go ahead. Sure. Maybe you want me to hear about what my weapon did to your family, or something?"


    "Too bad, I guess. I''ve already lost whatever remorse I once had. I''m now actually angry that I stopped manufacturing once the war stopp-"


    A loud clang of steel against steel, echoed in my ears, driving me dizzy.


    A bit fearful, glanced back behind me.


    And there, I saw it.


    A rusted, golden axe had torn through the rusted cage, stopping just inches away from the back of my head.


    Almost immediately, I felt cold sweat all over my body.


    I didn''t think he would¡­


    I thought he would just¡­!


    Trembling, I instinctively crawled backwards.


    But, at the exact moment that I was close enough, the two other men reached in. One grabbed my hair, while another grabbed my shirt.


    Meanwhile, their leader discarded his axe and now pried the cage open with his bare hands. Thus, making it creak even louder than it already had.


    Why hasn''t anyone noticed yet?!


    Where was Anthony?!


    "You actually thought you were safe, didn''t you?" The man grinned, while my cheeks grew paler.


    He actually did it! He tore off a side of the cage, and threw it over to the side.


    "Heh. Your Private won''t be coming to save you. He''s dealing with my boys. He''ll probably be dead, by the morning."


    I recognized his smile.


    No. I''ve never seen that kind of ominous, hideous smile before.


    But, even so.


    I felt a primal, distinct fear. That something far worse than death was coming next.


    I tried to curl up even smaller, but there was no way I could keep my legs close.


    I felt his rough palm wrapped around my calf, and I was pulled towards him!


    "NOOOO!"


    He had pulled on the leg that had barely healed after being cut almost a month ago. And that was already painful enough.


    But, that was nothing, when I thought of the horror that would come next.


    The other two had let go of me, offering me to the brute.


    But that wasn''t going to happen!


    Desperately, I gripped the other side of the cage, and kicked at him with my other leg, managing to hit him square at the face.


    But¡­


    "Heh."


    He just grabbed my foot, placed both feet beside his waist, then pulled me right out!


    But the chain! The chain was still wrapped around the-


    "Ugiiiih!"


    I squealed like a pig, choking, feeling as if I was just one more yank away, from having my neck twisted off.


    "There''s no sad story, Noble Girl. I just took this mission, because there was the chance for me to rape the prestigious Lady of Golden Steel."


    With the chain suspending me from one side, and his hands holding my legs, it was the worst position that I could possibly find myself in.


    "You better lock your legs around me, or you might just die."


    Not even thinking twice, I did as he said, desperate, and at the end of my wits.


    I heard him laugh, then I heard my oversized clothes get torn apart. But, as I felt the cold of the night - that was immediately replaced by the feeling of warmth his palms had moved to my hips, keeping me in place, with my legs still tightly locked around him.


    And¡­


    I felt it.


    Something hot, hard, and¡­


    "... nooo-!"


    I whimpered weakly, but was unable to offer any real struggle. One wrong move and I might accidentally snap my own neck.


    "... plea-ack! Noo¡­.khh!!!"


    But, would I rather endure this, than accept death¡­?!


    Hot!


    Hot!


    Painful!


    Soundlessly, with me being only able to see the leaves which made up the roof of my cage, I felt something penetrated inside of me.


    Something foreign.


    Meaty.


    Disgusting.


    Bit by bit, inch by inch, I was slowly, but surely violated.


    I could feel my insides expand, before squeezing back, trying to expel the intruder.


    But¡­


    "... Agh¡­!"


    I lost my voice.


    It hit.


    It hit my womb.


    I could feel the pop that it made, as it knocked on my deepest part.


    "You were a virgin, huh?"


    I could hear him gloat, but even that was growing fainter with every minute.


    I want to die.


    I want to die!


    I WANT TO DIE!


    ONE TWIST! THAT''S ALL I NEED TO DO!


    "Yes. That''s right! Cry! And squeeze as tightly as you can!"


    Slam!


    Slam!


    Slam!


    The disgusting thing was easily in the process of completely deforming my insides.


    And I couldn''t do anything about it.


    I couldn''t stop him.


    I couldn''t even try to spit at his face.


    I felt his hips repeatedly hit mine and¡­


    To my disgust, I could hear the sounds louder, and louder.


    "You''re getting into it, aren''t you? Hahahahaha!"


    Nooo!


    That''s not the! This is just-!


    "You really are a whore, aren''t ya?"


    That''s not-uhk!


    He pulled me even closer to him, which meant yanking the collar even tighter.


    I squeezed him even harder, trying to pull him closer to myself¡­ this disgusting¡­!


    And much to dismay¡­


    He laughed again, hurrying his pace, repeatedly slamming against me.


    ¡­


    He''s started twitching inside of me.


    PLEASE!


    STOP!


    "Oooh¡­!!!"


    I can feel it¡­ inside me. Sticky¡­ hot¡­ it''s there now¡­


    ¡­


    ..


    .


    I''ve been soiled completely¡­


    Outside, and inside.


    "Let me get a taste of those lips, whore." He drew closer, with one arm holding me by the hips, and the other hand on the back of my head.


    I let him draw close.


    What else could I have done?


    "... Nnnngh¡­!"


    I received him.


    I let his tongue explore my mouth.


    While my hands slowly slid underneath his armpits, locked around his shoulders, clung tightly onto the back of his neck..


    I squeezed my body to his.


    All while enduring the shame!


    All of the humiliation!


    None of them were ever going to be worse than having done this!


    Me! Tightly embracing the brute who stole my chastity!


    But¡­!


    He''s not getting the last laugh¡­


    I''m not letting him have that¡­!


    There was no way¡­ no real way I could damage him physically.


    My arms were too weak.


    I wouldn''t even be able to penetrate his skin with my fingernails.


    Without any preparation, that is.


    With my hands on his neck, I feigned my moans, biting on his shoulders, like a needy whore. Slowly. Slowly I inched my way up.


    I felt him pull back, so I tightened my hold, and took the initiative, instead. I squeezed tightly around his member.


    I needed him to keep close to me¡­!


    "... I want¡­" I was absolutely disgusted to even hear myself speak. But¡­ "I want more¡­ please¡­"


    With tears in my eyes, I begged like a whore.


    To which¡­


    "You don''t get to tell me what to do, bitch."


    He obliged.


    I could feel him pry me open, once again.


    But I endured. Even as I felt his thrusts get easier and easier to handle¡­.


    I just tried to ignore it, as much as I possibly could.


    Kissing him, as much as I could, reciprocating by licking even the roof of his mouth.


    I felt him twitch violently inside of me again. And with another jolting slam, I felt a fresh but just as disgusting warmth invade me again.


    ¡­


    "Ahg...gah¡­!"


    But this time¡­


    In addition to my¡­ womb¡­ I could also taste his warmth invade me through my mouth.


    Blood.


    All over my face and neck, as I tore through his arteries.


    For a split second, I felt completely weightless, before slamming backfirst into the mud.


    It winded me, but it didn''t get rid of my crying smile. Rather, I now lost the tightness around my neck.


    "Plooh¡­!" I spat out the bits and pieces of him that I had torn off.


    With him lying on me, I held him even closer, before whispering into his ear.


    "Fuck you¡­ how do you¡­ like that¡­?"


    "...!"


    "...!?"


    I could hear the other two yelling. But they were inaudible to me. Maybe my rapist was also saying something, and I just couldn''t hear it too.


    I don''t know.


    I didn''t care.


    I was just way too happy, to be able to free myself from him.


    This brute who now had his eyes retreating to the back of his head, and his life literally dripping out of him. Of course, I shoved him out of the way.


    Using what strength I could muster I reached for the axe he discarded and pushed myself up, so that I was sitting against the cart wheel.


    Then, with the other two running towards me, I held the weapon in front of me, and grinned. Making full use of my new makeup, I smiled. With my tears now drying off, and the blood dripping onto my chest.


    "You were probably going to take turns with me, right¡­? Come on then! I''m right here!"

 Chapter 12 - The Bloodied Dog regains its Fangs

    Being beaten and abused was one thing.


    This¡­ this was an entirely different thing.


    Everything in my vision was red, and hyper-focused.


    I could see every heave of their chest, and every bead of sweat down running down their cheeks.


    "Come on¡­!"


    "COME ON!" I yelled, again. "Are you afraid of me, or something?!"


    "You were having fun just now, weren''t you?! Please. Don''t stop on my accord."


    I goaded them. Not due to anger, but more so frustration.


    At myself, and why this had ever come to happen.


    I''ll admit it to myself, now¡­


    If they had just done things differently, it''s quite likely that I would''ve gone willingly, with them.


    But, they killed Drako.


    Then, they beat me to an inch of my life.


    And now, this¡­


    Just when I thought I''d be able to somewhat understand them¡­


    I slowly got up, with trembling, tired legs. With a wierd, metallic melody echoing in my ears.


    I must''ve been more damaged in the head, then I thought I was.


    "Well¡­? How many times do I have to say it?"


    But, they didn''t step forward.


    Rather¡­


    They tossed their weapons forward, letting them clatter loudly on the ground.


    "... What¡­?"


    I stared at them worriedly.


    Then, I saw someone approach from the camp.


    It was Anthony, with blood dripping from his forehead and a bruised cheek.


    In one hand, was a golden longsword and in the other, was a large leather knapsack.


    "The two of you. Walk back inside."


    He ordered them and¡­ they did as he said, turning right around with hazy pupils and half-opened mouths.


    "What was-"


    He raised his sword, and I froze. But, when he swung, rather than flesh, he tore through the iron chain that held me.


    "An-"


    I couldn''t even finish speaking, before I was swept off my feet.


    Then, I was placed on one of the horses that pulled the cart.


    "What are you doing, what''s happening?!"


    It was only then that I could finally speak, but when I turned to him, he didn''t respond, and what I saw was him cutting the harness of the creature.


    "Talk to me, Anthony!"


    "We''re leaving. That''s what."


    He answered bluntly, got up behind me, coiled his arms around my waist, and grabbed the reins.


    "Hiyah!"


    "What do you mean?!"


    With that, we were running like the wind, through the darkness of night. All by ourselves.


    ¡­


    ..


    .


    Of course, there was no way I was going to wait for him to give me the answer in his own time.


    I was done just being passive, or silent.


    "Talk to me, Anthony! Why are you breaking me out!?"


    "Did you forget already?"


    He responded angrily, before yanking at the reins, causing the horse to come to a whinnying stop.


    "I said it already. I have something to thank you for. So, I couldn''t let you get raped, after already experiencing so-"


    He cut himself off. Did he finally notice it?


    "I was too late¡­ Wasn''t I¡­" Was I supposed to nod to that? To confirm his suspicions? That I had been sullied.


    His eyes seemed like he was waiting for an answer.


    And just seeing that, frustrated me even more than I already was.


    Why were you so slow, piece of-


    "... What do you think, detective? Was it so hard to notice?"


    I responded by turning my head away from him, and hugged myself tightly.


    "It''s just¡­ you''re¡­"


    "Dealing with it well? Is that what you want to say, huh?" I gripped my elbows even tighter and drew blood with my fingernails.


    "How could you even think that¡­ did you expect me to be a crying mess¡­?!"


    I knew I had no reason to be acting spiteful with him. But I just couldn''t help it.


    I wanted to vent somewhere.


    I needed to!


    "Don''t you think that I''ve cried enough, already?!" I''m spent! I''m sullied! I''m thirsty! And I''m hungry! Everything hurts, and all that I''ve built up for myself, has been concisely broken down!"Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    "Maybe, you wanted me to cling to your chest in gratitude?! Bawling my eyes out! Is that it?!" Letting my emotions drive me, I swung my elbow at his face.


    But, of course, he was able to catch it.


    Somehow¡­


    I was a bit glad that he did.


    "There''s a river, half a mile, north west of here. We''ll get you cleaned up there."


    I almost nodded. But I managed to stop myself, and shook my head.


    "No. No. Answer my questions, right now. Why are you helping me? Be more specific, because I currently have no reason to trust anyone."


    "..." He paused, staring back into my eyes, before nodding. "Alright. But it''s a long story. So we''re doing it by the river."


    "No-"


    "Ask me any other questions while we get there."


    "..." He cut me off.


    I didn''t nod. But, I didn''t resist either. At least, not for now.


    I guess¡­ I''m just¡­ way too exhausted to keep pressing for answers. Despite my emotions and mind, telling me to do so.


    ***


    I didn''t ask him any questions while we rode. Not because I didn''t want to. Nothing just came to mind.


    We took a turn through a dirt road, and soon found ourselves where he said we would.


    A river.


    Or rather, it seemed more like a wide but shallow creek. In the distance, to the east, with the starry sky as a background, was a stone bridge.


    He dismounted first, before grabbing my waist, and hoisted me off.


    "We''ll be safe here, for the most part. There are no beasts, and that bridge directly to the capital. They wouldn''t think we went here, of all places." With that said, he reached for me. Or rather, my clothes.


    Maybe he was trying to help me.


    But, I wasn''t taking chances, and slapped his hands out of the way.


    "Thank you for helping me. But, I can take care of myself now."


    He took a step back, and nodded.


    "Good. I have some clothes for you in the knapsack. Here, some soap too."


    I accepted the bar of soap, slid out of my torn clothing, and stepped into the knee-high water.


    The thought of running came to mind.


    But¡­


    I just shook my head, and sat down in the water.


    The first thing I need to get rid of, is what that brute released inside of me.


    But¡­


    Try as desperately, as I might, I was not able to reach as deeply as I wanted with my fingers. So¡­ with trembling lips¡­


    "Please¡­ Beautiful Anima¡­ Goddess of Life¡­ please don''t burden me with such an honor¡­ I''m not ready for it¡­"


    It wasn''t even a proper prayer. It was just me, desperately clinging to the hope that I wouldn''t have to rear a rapist''s child.


    With that said, though¡­


    I stared at my muddy hair, and focused on the disgusting feeling on my backside. I might not be able to clean my insides. But¡­ at least outside, will look perfect again, in due time.


    ¡­


    "Here. Dry yourself off with this." He passed me his jacket. Then, a set of clothes. His, most likely.


    "Wear these."


    "Thank you¡­" I received them with a nod, and did as I needed to. Drying my hair off frustrated, before ending with my legs. Then, I got dressed right in front of him.


    "Now. Tell me. Why? And be hone-"


    "First. Let''s get those cuffs and anklets off of you." He cut me off, again! Then, he brandished a knife.


    The first weapon I''ve seen that wasn''t made of gold alloy. Rather, it was more akin to polished, high carbon steel.


    I would know. I''ve worked with it for so long, after all.


    "Here. Give me your hands."


    I¡­ I didn''t react. How could I? Was he really going to free me?


    "Do you¡­ trust me¡­?"


    "If I said I did, I''d be lying. But, I hope you''ll see things a bit more differently after the time we spent together."


    I waited for a couple seconds, before I did as he wanted. I was excited, of course. Practically ready to jump up and down. But, at the same time.


    I dreaded the knife, as I saw it approach my wrist. He pushes the tip into a Sean, and one hand holding mine, he twisted the knife and pried it open.


    Clomp. The heavy piece of metal fell unceremoniously, sinking into the soft earth.


    I¡­ I felt liberated.


    Truly liberated.


    It was far from my original output.


    But, I could wield Mana again.


    I can feel it around me, embracing me after so very long¡­!


    My other wrist.


    My left ankle. And finally¡­


    My right ankle.


    With each one taken off of me, with clicks that sounded like the best music in the world; shivers ran down my back.


    I trembled, barely able to withstand the powerful sense of euphoria that washed all over me. Through my skin, my flesh, my veins¡­ everything.


    It''s¡­ absolutely unlike anything I''ve ever felt before.


    "Are you okay¡­?"


    I was pulled out of my stupor when I felt Anthony tug on my hand.


    I stared down at the man who was on one knee in front of me, having just discarded the last of my restraints.


    Save for the collar and chain around my neck.


    But, I could deal with that myself.


    My hand sank into it and with just one tap, it liquified, letting the iron chain drop onto the ground.


    But the collar was still there. Just liquified. Then, with a second tap, I pulled out rust leaving only a clean, dark metal.


    Then, it changed shape.


    It was still a collar. Though thinner, and a lot more uncommon in shape.


    Rather than something as uncouth as it''s previous version, this one was stylized in my favorite design.


    Thorned roses, as a base around my neck, miniature weapons coiled within the thorns, and finally, at the front, hanging from a small ring, were my initials in one shape.


    G.C.


    "You''re not getting rid of it¡­?" He asked me, sounding confused. But also, very clearly amazed.


    I would be too, if I was in his position.


    It took me years to be able to shape intricate jewelry without looking at my item.


    But, he had no time to be sitting there, all amazed.


    I was back to my full power.


    My true power.


    "Why would I get rid of it?"


    I responded with a thin grin, and narrowed red eyes.


    With a snap of my fingers, I used my Telekinesis to pull him down onto the ground. His strong, well-built physique didn''t even manage to put up the least bit of a fight.


    "This will be my eternal reminder. That I could never be too careful around those who think they can question my superiority."


    Seeing him helpless¡­ I could feel my heart start racing even more.


    Especially when I stared back at his own grinning face.


    There was no way he could hide the hint of fear in his eyes, though.


    I started breathing heavily¡­


    I understand what''s happening.


    I know it.


    I just can''t put it into words.


    But¡­


    Like rebounding from my month of subordination and abuse¡­


    I couldn''t wait to dish out my own abuse onto others¡­.


    "Hehe¡­" I wasn''t even able to keep myself from chuckling, as I leisurely straddled his stomach.


    "I won''t ask again, Anthony¡­"


    All my suffering, they flashed through my mind, and¡­ I reveled.


    Even my rape¡­!


    Though I felt it squeeze and implode, my heart was also ready to jump out of my chest in absolute glee!


    I killed him!


    I took the life of the man who stole my chastity away!


    Next¡­ are the lives of those who physically abused me.


    Then, finally, that Devil¡­


    I''m gonna give her a fate, far, far worse than what she thought she was going to put me through.


    I knew this was just my adrenaline high, going to my head.


    But, I knew this was also my true feelings.


    I was going to have my revenge.


    But, first¡­


    I will dominate the man who treated me the most kindly, out of them all.


    His tough love and support. No matter how superficial it may have been.


    I was going to reciprocate.


    Just like I will soon do for the rest.


    I leaned in closer, squeezing myself against him. I could feel his heart beating violently. But, I''d say that mine was far more so.


    "Be obedient and tell me already, Anthony. Like a good prisoner."


    "You just got your power back, and you''ve already let it go to your head."


    "One last chance, Anthony. Tell me. Why did you treat me properly? Why did you help me? And why did you free me? Are you a plant from some group? Or are you just a figment of my own imagination?"


    "You''re just saying randon things, now... maybe I''m just a nice guy, you know? But, okay." He shrugged, then turned his head away and sighed.


    "I-"

 Chapter 13 - With the Cloudy Night Sky, as my background...

    "Tell me, Guila."


    "Oh¡­? You''re still not going to tell me, already? Come on. I don''t want to have to slap you, you know?"


    "You don''t have to look at me, like that. I''ll tell you. But, just answer me first. Do you know what it''s like to live in the slums?"


    "Yes¡­? Why¡­?"


    I think I can imagine it, at least. People desperate to live. Rampant poverty, crime¡­ a terrible place. But¡­ far removed from me, that''s for sure.


    "No¡­ I don''t think you do." He shook his head. Rude. But, I''m hearing him out, so, I just pursed my lips.


    "It''s far worse than whatever you can imagine."


    "Really? Well, tell me then."


    ¡­


    ..


    .


    Life¡­ was horrific. No¡­ that''s not the right word.


    Despairing.


    I don''t know about other kingdoms. But in the Culmination, once you''re destitute, you can never crawl your way back up.


    In a nation, where there wasn''t much wealth to begin with, the poorest sector of the population, outnumbered everyone else, ten to one.


    But, we were also the most policed. We were dangerous. And during a war, dangerous things are kept under a tight leash.


    Being hungry, having nowhere to sleep¡­ that came with being poor.


    Being in the slums was different.


    You fight with neighbors, rats and roaches for the scraps that''s thrown in the trash.


    You sleep with them, in alleyways, on roads, outside in the rain¡­ and when the police come around to lock down on us, after a slummer did a crime¡­ we''d spend the next week in the sewers.


    They think it helps us reflect.


    I think it does the opposite, though. Because, in the sewers, you have food, water and shelter.


    I was lucky enough to be part of a militia. So, I could snatch whatever food and water I needed, as long as I rough them up with a pipe.


    I guess¡­ because of that. I didn''t truly suffer the lowest possible situation. But, even then, it was not a different life.


    Everyone in the slums was the same. Gutter trash, that nobody cares about. Even by those you slept with.


    But, on the last day of our confinement. As we were all crammed inside the sewer, with others dying in front me, and some floating in the water while rats had their meals¡­


    I was on my feet, looking for food.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    The constant hunger alleviated the stench of death, of rot, of pests. I needed to eat. But the kids had already picked the place clean.


    So I went further in, deeper, and deeper and deeper.


    Until I felt the earth shake violently.Dust and debris fell from the ceiling.


    I immediately ran back the direction I came from.


    But, the closer I got, the more pronounced, the stench of burning flesh, became.


    I was afraid to turn the corner. I didn''t want to witness the scene of people desperately crying and begging.


    So I didn''t. And I looked for another way out.


    ¡­


    ..


    .


    "What you made, destroyed cities, and killed millions. And the golden weapons you''ve made, will hurt and kill many more. But¡­ if it''s any sort of consolation. You saved my life, by making that bomb."


    I¡­


    I didn''t know what to say.


    I had already lost my smile, just halfway in. It wasn''t like I didn''t believe him.


    But¡­ frankly, I¡­ just couldn''t connect with what he had gone through. I doubt anyone who hasn''t worn his shoes, ever will.


    For me¡­ it felt more like he was spinning a story.


    "I was forcefully drafted, soon after. I got a job. Proper meals, and¡­ though by force, I got my entire life, turned around. All because of the crisis you made."


    "I didn''t do that. I didn''t bomb you. Those were my buyers-"


    "If the country blames you for creating the bombs. Then, I''ll thank you, for making them."


    He cut me off again.


    I gripped his collar tightly, pulling him up, closer to myself. Letting my emotions carry me along for the ride.


    Then¡­ I kissed him, on the cheek.


    "You''re welcome."


    I whispered, before letting go of him, and walked away. I didn''t stop my Telekinesis, though. Just not yet.


    "Where are you going?!"


    "Don''t worry, the pulling on you will stop, once I''m far enough." I responded curtly, before pushing myself up the horse, and gripped it''s reins.


    "Where are you going!?"


    "Back. I''ve repaid you for how you treated me. I''m going to do the same for everyone else."


    "Think this through! Guila!"


    I wasn''t listening to him anymore, with a whip of the reins, and a kick on its sides, the horse trotted forward.


    Once I''m back on the highway, it''s full-sprint from there.


    "GUILA!"


    The only response he received, was the faint sound of thunder in the distance.


    ***


    The camp¡­ was in chaos.


    "This is a fucking disaster¡­ I let my lieutenant blow off some steam with the prisoner, then she and her caretaker disappear into thin air, leaving me with a corpse, and five others that are now braindead."


    Pandora was sitting in her tent, with her mask still on, and two soldiers on either side of the entrance.


    This entire event left them with just 38 men. Counting the Commander.


    "I want every man watching the perimeter. You''ve got that?"


    "Commander. Shouldn''t we scour the forest?"


    "No." She shook her head, before getting off her chair. "She''ll come to us. I know it. I want everyone armed and ready to receive her."


    "Why do you think she''d come, Commander¡­?"


    "I treated her so we''ll, didn''t I? She wouldn''t leave without saying goodbye." She seemed to smile underneath her mask, before narrowing her eyes at the men. "Well? What are you waiting for?"


    "Get to it, soldiers!"


    I''m leaving her for last.


    I couldn''t help but smile, as I stared down at her camp.


    Here I was, floating above the camp, wearing an oversized shirt, pants no underwear, and barefoot.


    Divine''s damn it, it was cold here. But, I couldn''t help but smile.


    None of them knew I was here.


    Floating beside me, were pieces of the chain from my collar. Each around the size of a fingernail.


    I stared lovingly, at all the men working frantically to put up barriers and setting up a perimeter, as quickly as they possibly could.


    It was just so... Cute. Seeing them work so hard, all for me.


    "Now¡­ let''s just wait for them to get into position. Wouldn''t want to miss."

 Chapter 14 - With the Cloudy Night Sky as my background... I Perform

    As they all went to their posts, and kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, I was right above them.


    Silently, I watched, barely able to keep myself from giggling. Gesturing with my hands, I acted as if I were conducting an orchestra.


    I suppose, in a way, I was doing exactly that.


    One, two. One, two. High, low. High, low.


    One downward swing. One upward.


    One by one, I lined up all of my shots.


    Tiny metal balls, the size of fingernails, made from iron pieces of my chain and the iron I collected on my way here, numbering in the dozens, were now ready.


    "Attention everyone! Here I am! Your prisoner!"


    I yelled at the top of my lungs.


    Of course, there''s no way they were incompetent enough not to react immediately. Those that had bows, lined up their shots.


    I''m surprised. To think that they all found my silhouette that quickly.


    They really didn''t cut corners, when it came to escorting me.


    "...!!!!"


    I could barely hold my excitement¡­ so much so, that I was biting down on my lower lip, whenever I wasn''t talking.


    "I''m here to tell you... You''re already dead."


    Finally, my emotions gushed out of me, the moment I snapped my fingers.


    All I could hear since that moment, was a symphony of screams, and of cries.


    I aimed directly at their cores. And since I called all their attention to me, I hit them all squarely in the gut.


    Their hardened leather armors didn''t stand much of a chance against my Telekinesis.


    Speed similar to arrows, but weighing much more heavily, and with a much smaller size.


    "Don''t worry, though. You''ll most likely be alive for my grand finale."


    I prepared to land. But, as I did so, several of the soldiers got up, and took to their swords.


    Of course.


    Even while wounded, they were elites.


    The novelty of the damage they took, if they even noticed what it was, wasn''t going to stick too long with them, anyway.


    I suppose that was fine.


    Once again, I was biting down on my lower lip. So hard, that I now drew my own blood.


    "Mmm!"


    Whether it was a moan or a grunt. I didn''t know.


    But I happily received them, landing on my feet, with my arms wide open.


    The first one, was a middle-aged man. Despite probably being the oldest, he was the fastest of them, wielding a golden mace the size of my head.


    I distinctly remember him, because he was one of those who stomped on my feet.


    But, just when he got within arm''s length of me, and readied a swing, I had already flicked my wrist upwards.


    With just that one action, I pushed the metal ball in his gut, up his body, through his other organs, and lodged it directly where his heart ought to be.


    I could feel my heart beat even harder, when I saw his confused expression as he fell down beside me.


    "Nnn¡­!!!"


    Still, that was a mistake. Now''s not the time to kill them.


    I then stared at the second closest one.


    A young man. Probably younger than me. I think I remember this one punching me in the gut.


    I took note of his wound and saw that the ball was lodged lower than I wanted it to.


    He must''ve taken a step back.


    But, that gave me an idea.


    I swung my right hand down, and I could hear the wet sounds of flesh being torn, before being replaced by the most horrific, high-pitched screams I ever did hear.


    I let him kneel, before I walked over, and pushed his head away, making him fall on his side.


    Yeah. Go on.


    Keep gripping your destroyed manhood.


    I glanced at the third, who visibly recoiled. A sharp one. He noticed what was happening, and immediately tried to pull the ball out.


    But, it was too late.


    I was hard-pressed to figure out a unique way to kill him, though, so I just repeated the exact same thing as before.


    I could hear something squelch and pop. And that was more than enough to make me stop my feet, barely able to endure the shivers running down my back.


    I''ve only dealt with three...


    But, I was already over the moon and back!!!


    I never thought I could ever feel this kind of satisfaction.


    Did¡­ did everybody¡­ who has ever killed¡­ feel something like this¡­?


    The irreversible reinforcement of being superior.


    Of being able to choose who lives and who dies.


    To be so powerful, others would cower under your greatness.


    ¡­ it''s absolutely euphoric¡­!


    I hugged myself tightly, curling forward.


    This how they felt, when they beat me! When they abused me!


    It¡­ so¡­ addicting.


    So much so, that I''m almost thankful¡­ for the suffering I''ve had to endure.


    Because it was only by falling to the lowest I''ve ever been, that my experience now, is as cathartic as it is.


    "I am¡­ your god now."


    Five men from all directions. Each one, now just a few more steps away from me.


    They were slowed by their wounds, but not enough to hinder their wills.


    I raised my foot, and stomped hard.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    There was no reason to.


    Other than for show.


    Even before my foot hit the ground, the balls inside of them had been repelled outwards, digging even deeper into their flesh and¡­


    The unified sound of bones being crushed and shattered, was like the sudden piano spike just before the climax of a piece.


    I''m no big fan of music but¡­ perhaps I should start taking it up, as a hobby.


    The background of screams only got even louder.


    My heart¡­


    My heart wanted jump out of my mouth¡­!


    I needed to bite down even harder, and grinded my molars, just to keep it in...! I needed the pain to offset everything else that I felt!


    "What''s happening?! Men! Status?!"


    I could hear her voice from behind. The cold sweat and trembling of my teeth, made it clear who was coming.


    I held my hands in front me, as if in prayer, Then with flushed cheeks, I raised my arms high, making an offering to the gods.


    Surely, they were watching down on me.


    And altogether, at the edges of my vision, I could see the numerous red flowers that came into full bloom, followed by the gleaming, bloody balls that were illuminated by the torchfires.


    "Haaahnn¡­ haaahnn¡­"


    Amongst all the screams and the cries for help¡­ I was peaceful.


    Here, in this place, there were no more dangers.


    I am...


    But, the coldness of the collar around my neck immediately pulled me out of that line of thought.


    Finally, I felt my euphoria die down. Replacing it with complete, almost indifferent calmness.


    "What do you think, wench?" I asked her, twirling around with a thin smile on my face.


    "You''ve taught me quite well, don''t you think?"


    I extended my palm towards her, and without any form of hostility in my expression, I waited for a response.


    "You disgusting bitch." Is what I heard her say, before her Mana condensed into her hand forming a¡­


    Bow.


    A bright green bow, made of lightning, illuminating her surroundings.


    "What you''re doing isn''t torture or training. If you wanted my approval, then hold back more. They''re gonna die in a few more minutes."


    "Oh¡­? I''ll keep those words close to my heart, Wench." I gave her an exaggerated curtsy, with one foot behind the other, and my hands gripping an imaginary skirt.


    "Now. Tell me, wench. Do you think that bow will save you, against me?"


    I know that I should just start pelting her now.


    But what was the fun in that?


    I''ve been learning from the perfect teacher. This was going to be my graduation.


    I need to savor it, as much I ca-?!


    Eyes wide open, I used my Telekinesis to pull me to my right, as hard as I could.


    For just a split-second, I saw a flash of green fly right through where my neck was, just now.


    "Hah¡­ hah¡­" On my rump, I held my neck.


    It was still there¡­


    "You try to act as if you''re in control, but your eyes can''t hide what you''re really feeling or what you''re thinking. That''s another thing you need to fix."


    She walked towards me, down a small slope, with her both arms beside her, and her ''bow'' casually carried.


    How did she¡­?


    "Gah¡­!"


    Another flash of green! But.. it wasn''t from her!


    It came from¡­


    I looked at my calf. Sticking out of my bleeding flesh, was the tip of a thin, bright green, crackling, but heatless lightning bolt.


    It disappeared after a few seconds, and when it did, the bleeding got faster.


    "You''ve got to be kidding me¡­!"


    Glaring through my disheveled hair, I swung my hand down at her. Every metal ball I had, was immediately shot.


    "Try harder."


    But, just before the first one was about to hit, she had jumped upwards, and all of the projectiles just dug deeply into the ground.


    At the same time, I saw another flash of green. Another bolt!


    This time, once again, I was able to dodge by yanking myself to the side with Telekinesis. Still, I could hear the bolt scratch my collar as it disappeared behind me.


    But!


    "How can you shoot without even pulling the str-?!" Another flash of green from behind!


    "... Agh!"


    Once again, unable to react in time, I felt the bolt dig into my upper arm.


    Just¡­ just a flesh wound.


    "Did a couple kills and a few minutes of being unstoppable, already make you forget? You''re not a fighter, tramp. You''re a Spellsmith. Whatever you can somehow do by eating up a large amount of your disgustingly high Mana capacity, an actual combat mage can easily counter."


    My vision started to red, again. Rage. Pure, unbridled rage.


    How dare she¡­


    How dare she¡­!!!!


    HOW DARE THIS WENCH THINK THAT SHE WAS EVER GOING TO BE HIGHER THAN ME, WITHOUT HER DIRTY TRICKS?!


    "We''ll see that, then!"


    The iron balls were already too far away for my Telekinesis and my Metallurgy to retrieve.


    But I had more than enough metal here, don''t I?


    I pushed myself up. Then, with a grin, I raised one of the still-alive bowmen into the air.


    "TAKE THIS BACK!"


    I threw the screaming man at her, before forcing myself to run across the length of the perimeter.


    "You crazy bitch!"


    She yelled, before jumping to the side. Then, she chased after me.


    But just before she landed, I had immediately thrown a second body at her, which she dodged too.


    I needed time.


    And I needed as much distance from her, as I could get.


    I still had no idea how she shoots an arrow without pulling the string.


    But, if I kept her busy, then I won''t have to worry about that, would I?


    ".. please, no¡­!"


    The first man who had his manhood torn open, begged me in tears. But I had no time to revel in that. And neither did he, before I threw him at her, as well.


    I could hear the Devil''s irritated grunt, followed by the disgusting crunch of a head breaking open.


    Then, I immediately threw another one.


    All the while, I collected the discarded weapons that were made with my specialized alloys, their shields, the barriers and¡­ even what I could take from their bodies.


    I took whatever metal I could gather from within my Magic''s range and broke them apart, while throwing bodies every three steps I took.


    Then, finally, as I threw the last of the bodies at her, I formed a violent cyclone of metal dust and bits.


    "Haaah¡­ haaah¡­ Hehehe¡­ you''re pretty incompetent for a combat mage." I taunted, before grabbing the edge of my shirt, and used it to wipe the dust, grime, and blood off my face.


    "And you''re pretty twisted for a girl. I should expect that from high nobility, though. Literally throwing bodies at problems."


    "Why, thank you. You have a discerning eye, wench." I gave her another curtsy. "Now, why don''t we test something¡­? That lightning of yours." I heaved, before taking a step. "Try shooting another one. Let''s see if it flies straight for my collar, again."


    "You bitch¡­" She cursed out, and approached with a casual stride, but heavy bootsteps. Then, she stopped, once we were just ten meters away from each other.


    "Oh please. How many times have you said that word, during this fight? Nothing else in your vocabulary¡­ haah... or something? You do the first move." Feeling protected, I took a knee, then tore my pants into shorts. With the cloth, I made myself some bandages for my bleeding.


    "¡­ haah¡­"


    "... hooh¡­"


    We held our breaths, and just glared at each other.


    With my whirling cyclone, her crackling bow, the faint wailing of the dying, and the rustling of leaves; playing as our background symphony.


    If it gets through, then I''m beaten. Plain and simple


    But, if it doesn''t.. if it instantly goes for the path of least resistance, then¡­


    I went back to my feet, and smiled.


    "What''s taking so long?" I yelled.


    "Tell me. Do you enjoy being a pet, bitch?"


    Hm...


    I licked my lips, thinking of what to say, before nodding.


    "You could say that I''ve learned to see the good things in even that. What about you, wench? Do you enjoy tormenting others? Even going as far as to send your own lieutenant to violate me?"


    "Heh¡­ you don''t know the first thing, about being violated. Believe me. You''d want to kill yourself."


    "Hm..." I shrugged my shoulders. "I didn''t actually think you were going to answer. But it''s certainly a curious thing. I wonder if that''s what the scar is about. I have even more of a reason to keep you alive, now. Any other questions?"


    "Just one."


    "Go ahead."


    "What kind of pet name do you want to have?"


    She aimed with her bow, before pulling at the string. Once it was pulled back completely, an arrow of green lightning had formed.


    This was much more potent than the ones before it, though. And I could see it from the beads of sweat down her cheeks.


    That arrow wasn''t easy to make, for sure.


    Though, I''m not exactly in much better of a state. I''ve expended way too much of my Mana tonight. Chances are, I''d have to rest up for the next seven days in order to recover completely.


    "Well?"


    Oh right¡­ she had a question.


    "How about¡­ sow? You can''t say anything derogatory other than bitch, right? Sow is a fancier way of saying that. What about you?"


    "Hm¡­ Wench would be good. I really liked Devil too, though."


    That was the end of our conversation. I could feel more and more of her Mana get concentrated into her arrow. She was really going all out.


    Unfortunately, there wasn''t much I could do at this point, anymore. This was the top speed of my Telekinesis.


    But...


    ""One hit decides it all.""


    We said it together.


    And together, we were engulfed by a bright green light which illuminated this entire section of the forest, finished off with roaring thunder that must''ve echoed for miles.

 Chapter 15 - With the Cloudy Night Sky as my background... I take a Bow.

    When the light finally died down, I found myself¡­


    Still standing.


    Here I was, surrounded by a torrent of bright red, molten metal bits.


    And¡­


    "Haaah¡­ haaah¡­ haaah¡­"


    I could see the camp, barricade, parts of the forest, now completely gone. Not to mention the dull glass that had been formed in places.


    There wasn''t even any fire to see. Everything was charred completely.


    What the hell was that magic of her''s...?


    But to think that¡­ something so destructive.. was diverted by something I thought up, on the spot.


    It took me a moment to recover from the initial surprise.


    But when I finally looked around, I saw that she wasn''t here anymore.


    The Devil fled!


    SHE FLED!!!!


    "YOU FUCKING WENCH!!!!!! YOU COWARDLY! FUCKING! WENCH!!!!!!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.


    How could she¡­?


    How could that wench, be so cowardly¡­


    You''re telling me¡­ that the person who orchestrated my abuse¡­ isn''t even ready to feel the same thing done to herself¡­?!


    That does it.


    THAT. FUCKING. DOES IT.


    I relaxed myself. But, my vision was just red. No. It never wasn''t red, since our fight started.


    But¡­ this was different, I didn''t have anywhere to take my rage out!


    I needed to calm myself down, before I hurt myself!


    BUT HOW?!


    I took notice of the bodies that still moved.


    That should work¡­ right¡­?


    I approached them, with chattering teeth, and my brows scrunched up together.


    Then¡­ I buried the molten balls into their bodies. Forcing them deeper and deeper down their skin.


    They screamed. Altogether, like a chorus. But even through that, I hear the sizzling of their flesh.


    "IT''S YOUR FAULT FOR BEING SO HARDY! BLAME YOUR COMMANDER, TOO! SHE''S THE REASON THAT YOU''RE ALL HERE!"


    I was being erratic. I knew that. But I needed to get this rage out of the way.


    I watched them crawl, plea, and cry.


    "... Please¡­! Stop¡­!"


    "Mercy¡­!"


    "... Forgive us¡­!"


    They begged me, and the Gods to spare them.


    And seeing all that, a bright smile crept up on my face.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    This was enough¡­


    Not only have I displayed my objective superiority¡­


    I''ve also proven that even when brought to my lowest, I was still far more dignified than them.


    Why?


    Objectively looking at them all, as they finally succumb to their wounds¡­ how different was I, exactly¡­?


    If things kept going the same route, I would''ve died in exactly as much agony as they did.


    There was only one difference between me, and them.


    I could retaliate and win.


    They couldn''t.


    Not in a million years.


    But, as the last of them grabbed my ankle, then promptly died, I finally calmed down, letting out a loud sigh.


    No¡­


    That''s not correct.


    I wouldn''t have gotten this far without him...


    "Hrrrngh..."


    I noticed that the red had still not disappeared. The filter was weaker now. But¡­


    That''s still all I saw.


    Why was I calm, then¡­?


    I had no answer, expect the pounding of my heart, echoing in my ears!


    What else can I possibly let my rage out on¡­?!


    Stop it!


    Stop it, already!


    I don''t have anything else to destroy!


    STOP!!!


    "Haah¡­ haaah¡­ Guila!?"


    A voice came from the front of the barricade.


    Raising my head, I saw him there. Panting heavily, with his arms on his knees, as he looked around the carnage that I had caused.


    He looked afraid. I could see it in the way that he looked at me.


    He ought to be¡­


    "Why did you come here¡­?"


    My pounding heartbeat, it got louder and louder, ordering me to walk forward. To my next target.


    "Guila¡­ are you okay¡­?"


    "What do you think?!"


    One, two, and three¡­ f-. It took me three dragging steps, before I collapsed to my knees.


    I don''t know why, but¡­


    I just didn''t want to stand anymore¡­


    Then, I saw metal pieces start raining from above. Some dropping onto my head or my shoulders


    My Mana¡­ it must be at it''s limits.


    Is this¡­ what Mana sickness feels like¡­?


    The ringing¡­ the ringing in my ears¡­ it hurts¡­ so¡­ so¡­ much¡­


    "Guila¡­!"


    Though distant, I heard him yell.


    Then, strong arms held me on either side, before I was promptly swept off my feet.


    I didn''t resist¡­


    I might have kill him, if I did.


    My eyelids... they felt so heavy. Every time I blinked¡­ it felt like a minute had passed.


    He brought me to a tent. Then, laid me down on a large sleeping bag.


    It was hard¡­ rough too. But¡­ it was also the best surface that I''ve laid on, for the past month.


    "Rest up."


    I heard him say, before I felt his rough palm caress my forehead.


    What is wrong with you¡­?


    I wanted to ask him. But no words came out of my mouth.


    Did you seriously run all the way back here, just for me...?


    I just stared at him, hazily, into his dull blue lapiz eyes, that were the exact opposite of my own bright ruby reds.


    It only lasted for a moment, before he broke away, grabbed a medicine bag from nearby and undid my messy work.


    Under his careful touch, I twisted and turned, feeling hotter and hotter with every passing second.


    I couldn''t even begin to think of sleeping!


    I wanted something¡­!


    I needed to¡­ to get it out of my system!


    There must be some other way other than hurting him!


    Weakly, with blurred vision, I tugged on his shirt.


    "Anthony¡­"


    It was a voice I never, ever thought, I was going to hear myself say. Especially not after what had just happened in the past few hours.


    I was needy. Truly in need. It was no ploy. Nor did I have anything else in mind.


    I just wanted him¡­


    "No. Got to sleep."


    He pulled my hand off and placed it on my chest, before going back to my wounds.


    "I''m not taking advantage of you. You''ll think more clearly in the morning."


    I felt cheated.


    Irritated.


    Angry, even. But¡­ hearing him say that¡­


    I smiled.


    "... thank you¡­"


    All this month, I''ve been forced to understand that people would always take advantage of you, when you''re weak.


    Thank you¡­


    For being different.


    Even if you might just be lying¡­


    Thank you.


    With relief washing over me, I finally let go of my grip on consciousness.

 Chapter 16 - My Guardian Angel (Re-uploaded with Major Addition)

    Before I knew it, I was already awake, staring up at the unfamiliar leather cieling.


    I... I just stared, quietly, thinking about last night.


    So many things happened...


    But, much more importantly, are the things that were left unfinished.


    I still had a score to settle with the wench. And I know where she is.


    The only question here, was when I would go. I don''t want her to be able to prepare.


    But... I wouldn''t be able to prepare, either...


    "... Damn it..."


    I pulled myself up, and sat on the bedding. But I immediately winced, when I felt a dull pain from my wounds.


    "He does... a very good job at fixing others up, for a former slummer." I muttered to myself, as I traced my fingers along the bandages.


    They were fixed onto me tightly, but, at the same time, they weren''t uncomfortable. I could also feel stitching underneath the thick layer of cloth.


    "I''ll need to visit an actual healer soon... I don''t want to live my life with scars on my skin..."


    I tried getting off the bed. But... I suppose that was a tall order.


    "Mngh...!"


    With my adrenaline high gone, I now needed to deal with the fatigue, the wounds that I recieved, and the muscle pains that come with riding a horse at full speed, for almost an hour.


    "... hm?"


    It was only after having to endure the onset of full pain, did I finally notice my current state.


    My clothes had been changed. I mean.. that much was to be expected.


    But... These articles were clearly feminine.


    Thin beige leggings, an oversized white v-neck, and underneath, a set of simple black underwear.


    These were...


    There were my clothes. From my carriage...


    How...? I thought they burned it all.


    "Good morning."


    A heard a voice from the tent entrance.


    There he was, Anthony, sticking his head inside, while an arm held the tent flap up, letting the sunlight in.


    "Have some breakfast."


    He walked inside, with a wooden bowl in one hand, and a glass of water in the other.


    "... Thanks." I responded, with my head down. My calm heartbeat, after having just woken up, was getting wild, again.


    Inside was...


    "Porridge again?!"


    I... I didn''t mean to shout, but come on! I''ve had to endure this for a month! Not even a little bit of variety?!


    "There''s really nothing else left? Not even some beans, or nuts?" I continued.


    "I don''t know if you''ve forgotten, but the Culmination doesn''t have money. Any good food, is immediately given to the few nobility that remain. At least you''re not subsisting on tasteless soup."


    I... I went quiet. But... in a way, I couldn''t bring myself to care about this country. All of them can starve, for all I care.


    But only once I''m done taking my revenge.


    It may not have been appetizing. But, I was hungry. So I ate as quickly as I could. While he sat down on the ground beside me.


    I didn''t want to just eat silently, though. Especially not after everything that had happened, and of course, that... REALLY embarrassing outburst last night.


    "Hey... umm... Anthony. How do you have my clothes...?"


    I chose the first topic that I could think of, and he nodded in response.


    "The Commander wanted some of your personal effects to use as leverage over your family. It''s... standard procedure in the army." While saying as much, he grabbed a knapsack from my bedside. Then, from inside, he produced a leatherback...


    "That''s... My journal..." He handed it to me, with its golden lock pried open, and some burns on the edges.


    I couldn''t help but cry again, as I recieved it.


    With shaking hands, I opened the cover, and found it.


    On the first page, was the crayon drawing of myself, a boy my age, and a small lizard between us. With oversized heads, bright smiles, and big eyes.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    I turned that yellowed page over, and behind it, I saw the first entry. Written in messy ink, I had many mistakes that were crossed out.


    ''06/30''


    ''It''s my eighth birthday!''


    ''Mother gave me an egg! It''s bigger than my head! She says I need to hatch and raise it carefully, because it will become my best friend!''


    ''But I don''t know how to take care of it! I looked at some books from father''s library, and it said that birds sit on eggs.''


    ''But when I tried to sit on it, one of the maids said I wasn''t a bird, and it was not the right thing to do.''


    ''Of course, I''m not a bird! Alice is a silly dummy.''


    ''Oh! And Wayne gave me this journal as a gift! I''ll be writing my most amazing experiences here!''


    ''But he couldn''t come to my birthday. That''s okay, though! We''ll see each other again, next week for mother''s class!''


    "..."


    "20 years..."


    I muttered weakly, before closing the journal again. When I did, tears dripoed down my cheek, onto the faded leather cover.


    "I''ve had this journal, for 20 years of my life... Given everything that''s happened... I never even thought about it, until now. But..."


    I stared up at him...


    Why...?


    Why is it, that everything he''s doing, is just making me fall for him, more and more.


    What''s wrong with you...?


    "Thank you so much... You''ve given me, my life back..." I held the book close, squeezing it against my chest, while his hand grabbed the half-eaten bowl of porridge.


    "It''s okay. You don''t have to thank me." He gave me a small smile, then took the porridge bowl away, while passing me the glass of water. "Here."


    Of course, not wanting my journal to be damaged, I set it aside, away from anything that could damage it.


    "You gave me a fresh start in life. I gave you back yours. It''s only fair." He continued, before leaning back, keeping an eye on me, as I drank.


    "Thank you..." I wiped the tears off my face, then gave him a smile of my own. I know the scene outside, was surely that of carnage.


    But in here, it was my own slice of heaven. A breath of fresh air, from the hell I''ve had to endure for so long.


    And...


    "You really have to stop thanking me, alright? Now, drink up, you still have a morning routine to perform before we leave for south."


    Most of all, my angel was here. Watching over me.


    I just felt so warm, in his presence.


    I''d stay in this peaceful heaven forever, if I could.


    If only I could...


    "Anthony..."


    I placed both hands on my lap and tried to wipe all emotion off my face. Though, I''m sure that I failed.


    "You''ve already helped me so much, but... I want to ask one more favor of you."


    "Of course, what is it?"


    He gave me a reassuring, thin smile and nodded again. Truly... He was my brown-haired guardian angel.


    But...


    "I want you to take me to the Coalition Capital."


    Unfortunately, I''m nothing more than just another wench consumed by her desire for revenge.


    ***


    "I want you to take me to the Coalition Capital."


    "What...?"


    Of course, he glared at me. Why wouldn''t he?


    I chuckled for a bit, before gesturing with my finger for him to get closer. With that, he was pulled towards me with my magic, unable to resist.


    "I understand that you''d be angry. But, please. Help me. If you don''t, then..."


    I paused for a moment.


    "... Then, I''ll just go by myself, without you. If you think I''m just going to stop here, then you''re completely wrong. Do you understand?"


    "... Hmph!" He scoffed at me, before his hands coiled around my neck.


    I...


    I couldn''t even fathom that he''d do such a thing.


    "You''ve already frozen up." He commented before letting go. "Do you really think that you should be going anywhere, other than back home? I thought I wouldn''t have to tell you this."


    "You can''t just tell me to forget about it! I need to dig a knife into that wench''s chest, before I can even think of doing anything else!"


    "Be smart about this, Guila!" He curled up his fists, turning them white. Seeing that, I released my hold on his body.


    "Do it, Anthony... Beat me up. But it won''t change what I want to do. Once you drag me out of the border, I''ll just walk right back in."


    "No..." He released his grip on himself, sighing with a shocked expression. Almost looking as if... He was disgusted at himself?


    "I wasn''t going to do that."


    "I know. Don''t worry. Again, I understand you''re frustrated by what I''m saying. But... Please... I need your help to do this. You''re the only one that I can ask..." I held his hands, gently.


    "YOU''RE ASKING ME TO LET YOU RISK YOURSELF, LIKE YOU''VE MADE YOUR PARENTS DO!"


    ... what?


    "Don''t bring my parents into this, okay?! They didn''t want to let me go, but I forced them to let me. This is different!"


    "Then it''s even more worse! Don''t you get it, yet?! You need to go back to them! To tell them that you''re okay! That they still have a daughter!" He gripped my shoulders, and roared at by face, with his forehead just inches away from mine.


    ... He can''t hold his anger when he has something to care about. That''s to be expected from his upbringing.


    So, as calmly as I could, I stared into his eyes, and carresed the back of his hand.


    "My parents... They love me more than anything. If you were my brother, or my father. I could never convince you. I''m sure of that." I gripped my elbows, as the memories of my family''s faces resurfaced.


    News of my capture must''ve reached them by now, right?


    What would they be feeling right now?


    Surely they were worried and scared, right?


    Of course, they are!


    "But... You''re not them. How can I convince you to take me to where I want to go?"


    "YOU CAN''T, OKAY?! I''M NOT LETTING YOU RISK YOURSELF! PERIOD!"


    I guess... Everyone has a fuse. His might be short. But... the longer that he roared, the shorter mine got, too.


    More and more, red took over my vision again.


    I''ve started seeing him as an enemy...


    "... You say that, now...! But why didn''t you break me out earlier, huh?Why did you let me suffer for an entire month, and played Nanny for most of that time?! Huh?! Was that to satisfy some sort of kink?!"


    "Alright, you know what?! Don''t you dare make that sort of assumption, again!"


    "WHY?! EVERYONE IS A SICKO IN THEIR CORE, ARENT THEY?!" Perhaps I had a pretty short fuse, myself, and I roared right back at him.


    "I CAN ADMIT THAT I''M ONE! WHAT''S YOUR EXCUSE FOR WAITING SO LONG?!


    "YOU UNGRATEFUL LITTLE-"


    It''s... It''s almost amazing how quickly things could go sour, once you say the wrong words.


    "WELL?! BEAT ME INTO SUBMISSION, THEN! THAT''S WHAT YOU''RE TAUGHT IN THE ARMY, RIGHT?! TEACH ME TO BE GRATEFUL!"


    "IF YOU WANT IT SO BADLY, THEN-"


    I could see his face, red with anger, every time he roared, spit came out his lips. And... mine stuck to his face, as well.


    I... I don''t want it to end like this, all of a sudden.


    With us losing our breaths and panting from our yelling.


    I''ve already lost more than enough...


    I can''t lose you too...


    Ever so slowly, with tears building up in my eyes, I laid my hands on his shoulders and drew my face closer.


    Then, I kissed him. Right in the lips.


    "I trust you, Anthony. So, please... Trust me, too. I can handle myself. As long as... you''re with me." My voice cracked.


    "I..."


    "Please... I need you." I pressed my forehead against his, and whispered.


    "I don''t want to go home, like this. Home to my family, while a disgusting mess... I''ve lost my right to marry nobility... I''ve been physically and emotionally scarred..."


    "I..." Tears ran down my cheeks. "I can''t go home... Until I can at least hold my head up high... Please..."


    "I''ll just kill myself... if you force me to..."


    "..."


    For a moment, I saw his gaze tremble. Then, I felt his rough palms on my cheeks.


    And finally...


    He kissed me back.


    I recieved him with elation, letting myself be pushed back down against the bed.

 Chapter 17 - Our First Night in the Village

    "No. Wait."


    I held his hands, just as they reached for my shirt, right about to pull it up.


    "I... I don''t want you to see it..."


    "..." He shook his head, before kissing me again.


    "I''ve already seen it so many times. He whispered, before pressing his forehead against mine. "I don''t want you to be ashamed of yourself."


    "You''re beautiful, no matter what."


    "Liar." I immediately said. Yet there was no denying the blush on my cheeks. So, I let him pull my shirt open to reveal my healing bruises and wounds.


    I thought he would longer on them, disgusted.


    But he didn''t.


    I just felt his rough palm carress me gently, before squeezing my chest.


    I...


    I can''t think of any words to describe the sensation that I was currently feeling.


    Was it bad?


    Was it good?


    I wouldn''t know.


    But... all throughout it happening, my heart was constantly beating hard and I was breathing heavily. Not enough to start feeling uncomfortable, but...


    Just enough for me to lose sight and sense of anything else, other than him.


    I gasped as I was carefully undressed, before he pressed harder against me.


    "Anthony..." I stared hazily into his eyes, and coiled my arms around his neck.


    "You''re my caretaker... Right?"


    He nodded, to which I smiled.


    "Take good care of me, please..." I kissed him, and closed my eyes, surrendering myself completely to him.


    "I''m yours."


    <hr>


    "Hmmm... Hmmm...hmmm..."


    While humming, I was watching Anthony, as he loaded whatever we could use onto a carriage.


    We were going to leave everything here, as is. There wasn''t really any point in hiding our traces, anymore.


    But, I didn''t really care about all that. Why should I?


    Especially when I can still feel his warmth inside of me.


    I glanced and placed my hand on my stomach, feeling for what was inside. I''m sure that any sensation I felt, was just my imagination. But for no apparent reason at all, I still couldn''t help but giggle.


    "Are you ready, Guila?" That was my cue.


    With a pair of sandals on my feet, a knapsack in my right hand, and several articles of gold jewelry all over my body; I jumped off my stump, I walked to the two-horse cart.


    "Here. Thanks." I gave him the bag with a smile, he helped me up the front.


    "Are you ready now, Guila?"


    I didn''t understand what he meant, at first. But, with a nudge of his chin, I immediately understood, and turned my head.


    Behind us was my cage, still on its cart, but now with no horse.


    I...


    I almost can''t help but smile at it. Despite how badly I want to just crush it already.


    "Haaah... Good riddance. Let''s never see each other, again." With that said, I pouted at my companion.


    "Did you actually think I wanted to say some proper goodbye, or something?"


    "I just thought you''d want to unload a bit, before we left."


    My pout turned into a grin, before I pounced onto him, and kissed his cheek.


    "Don''t you talk about unloading, with me. After how you treated me like. Just hurry up and go."


    "Yes, sure..." Despite sighing, he gave me a smile, and with a crack of his reins, we were off in our rattling vehicle.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "You seem very tired, even though we just had lunch. Too bad that''s not my fault, huh?"


    "I beg to differ."


    We both laughed, continuing our journey down the road. The forests were still lush, and the entire place was teeming with wildlife.


    Before long, we had crossed the stone bridge from the night before. Thus, finding ourselves in another lush forest.


    It wasn''t until the sky had turned orange, that we finally left the forests.


    We then found ourselves in a large clearing with seas wilted wheat on either side of the road.


    There was no sound between us, at this point. Just me, blissfully feeling the breeze on myself and the humming of the the wheat, with my head on his lap.


    Then, from beyond the dying stalks, I could see smoke and...


    Roofs.


    The first town. To think that it was just a couple hours away from where we made camp.


    "Leave the talking to me, okay?" He told me, before I could even get my head off of his lap. "You''re still a fugitive in this country. They probably won''t know your face. But your hair is a giveaway."


    "You sure you don''t want to hide it?"


    "No. I don''t want to hide it." I answered with a pout, before staring more closely at the nearing town.


    Even from first glance, it didn''t look to be in the best shape. Worn thatched roofs, no gate, mud walls, muddy roads, and... haggard citizens wearing rags.


    A closer look only yielded the disgusting sight of one of them throwing... Refuse out their windows.


    "We stopped doing that, three centuries ago...!" We were still a hundred meters away from the village, but I already couldn''t hold my disgust anymore.


    "Please don''t tell me we''re staying here. It''s way too...! Eurgh...! Seriously?! Don''t they have any class?!" I got off his lap, and clung onto his arm with fearful eyes. But, he just stared back at me with...


    ... Shame...?


    "... Okay."


    "..."


    I fell silent. Why... Why did he look at me like that...? Is it because I didn''t want to wallow in filth with these anima-


    ...


    Almost immediately, I regretted what had come out of my mouth.


    Did I already forget, so soon? Or was I just that insensitive...?


    He...


    He lived... In a far worse condition, than any of these people. At least... They still had homes.


    If I had vilified them for their actions... What did that mean for him, who was in the bottom rung?


    His story. It had finally...


    I... I couldn''t bare to look at him. But... I didn''t want to look at what was around us, either.


    We were immediately greeted by the residents'' stares as soon as we entered the village. All of them were malnourished and pale, with dark bags under their eyes.


    The coming veil of night didn''t help my image of them, though. I just got more sensitive to their presence, as their figures receded into the darkness.


    A couple of them held hostile looks, but others, were clearly begging us to stop. To offer them something while they sat on the ground, not even having the strength to reach out for alms.


    Of course, I immediately lit a lantern, and held it in front of me, answering their suspicious looks with my own.


    Then, I saw a young boy who was completely naked. I could see his outline of his ribs, his bony limbs, his caved in stomach, and emtpt cheeks and glazed eyes.


    But... He still had the will and power to try and walk beside the carriage.


    How did I not notice this vagrant before?


    "... Please... Lady..." He called out, speaking in a broken Coalition dialect that I barely understood.


    When he opened his mouth, I saw blackened, ruined teeth, sore gums, and just for a split-second, I saw a maggot come out of his nose.


    So...


    So...


    DISGUSTING!!!!!


    SO! FUCKING! ABSOLUTELY! DISGUSTING!


    Had Anthony not been here, I would''ve screamed. But his presence, and the pervasive stench caused me to shrink back.


    Can''t this horse go any faster?!


    My internal question was immediately answered by the splashes of their hooves, and the sight of them sinking into the yellowy red mud.


    For a while, I just sat there quietly, pressing myself against Anthony, away from the edges of the cart.


    "Food... Please..."


    "Any food... At all...?"


    "Please... Sir... Lady..."


    More started to gather around our slowed down carriage. But, I just kept my eyes peeled, alert and ready to protect myself should they try anything.


    But, I wasn''t going to make the first move.


    I wasn''t going to make-


    I thought I could be more calm. That my guilt for possibly hurting Anthony''s feelings would hold me.


    That is, until I saw the kid approach me.


    "... Please..." He called out again, with his arms in front, as if to grab me.


    Those disgusting, shit-caked, bony fingers...


    "Don''t you dare touch me!"


    I couldn''t hold myself back anymore.


    With a push of my palm, I had the disgusting cretin thrown back with my magic by at least a couple meters, slamming him backfirst against the wall.


    And not a speck of shit on my fingers.


    Wonderful.


    The sound of the wood breaking and his bones probably shattering coupled with squished meat, didn''t bother me one bit. I was used to that sound of gore, already.


    Now, for the rest of them.


    I went to my feet, and with an upwards flick of my wrist, I floated the carriage off the ground. It was hard. But it meant that we could move much faster now.


    And that''s all that mattered.


    "Back away, all of you."


    I had my fists curled up, and I was ready to use metal if I needed to. Even if none of them were mages. Even the weakest of them, would be able to notice my turbulent Mana.


    I will wipe them clean off the face of the earth! All I need is just one more transgression from them.


    Still, I wasn''t just going to let myself be attacked first.


    "Anthony..."


    Just the thought of possibly having their shit-mud thrown at me or the cart, was enough to rile me up for bloody murder.


    "Come on, please. Let''s get out of here."


    I expected him to swing the reins.


    But, instead, he pulled at them, putting us to a stop.


    Then, without even looking at me, or giving me so much as a nod, he got off the stagecoach with his sword.


    "What are you-?!"


    A slash upwards sent blood flying, and the headless body of a young girl in rags, fell back-first into the ground.


    None of them reacted.


    ... They didn''t react when I killed the boy, either.


    Not even resisting, they just stared at him, as he approached.


    Then, one by one, they were all decapitated. With me, and everyone else in this disgusting town, just watching him.


    Mud got on his boots, and blood got on his face.


    Now, I''d have to wash him off.


    What''s wrong with this-


    "Done!"


    I... I just stared at him, not sure how I should even react. But why did he attack them for no reason? We were fine to leave.


    Then, he turned around to face me, with his brows scrunched up, and gritting his teeth.


    "How can I make this more comfortable for you, Lady Duchess?"


    "I... What...? Look, I''m sorry... I just didn''t want to..."


    "To be touched by gutter trash, right?" He cut me off, right as I stammered for an excuse.


    No.


    I wanted to say it.


    But... I did understand one thing.


    Not even one day has passed, and I''ve already made my Beloved Angel turn on me.

 Chapter 18 - The Village of the Dead Part 1

    "You''re different from them."


    That was all that I could think of, as an answer, before I plopped myself back down on my seat.


    "Now, get back on here. You''re dirty."


    "..." He stared at me, with his eyes wide and mouth slightly agape. "Is that really all that you''re going to say to me?"


    "Is there anything that I should be telling you, Anthony?"


    I knew that I should try to speak as calmly as I could with him, to persuade him with some sweet words.


    But...


    I raised my chin, and leaned against my seat, before scoffing.


    "Did I hurt you? No. Did I kill a child? Maybe. But you killed eight more than I might''ve, just now. And for no reason. Shouldn''t you be saying something to the other people in this village?"


    I saw him shake his head, before he panned his gaze throughout the now dark surroundings. I too, did the same.


    Seems they didn''t even have the coal to start some fires. But, I could see the glazed eyes that caught the light of our lantern.


    Really, this village would just be better off disappearing, and all of the residents dying. Less of a stain for everyone else to deal with.


    With a click of my tongue, I brought my gaze back to Anthony. He was back to glaring at me, too.


    "You didn''t need to get off. I didn''t tell you to. But you did. And now, you''re dirty. Take that shirt off and wipe yourself clean with it. I''ll redress you."


    "You''re welcome."


    He didn''t shout. But, it felt like his words were ringing violently in my ears.


    "What¡­?"


    "You''re welcome." He said it again, before he stabbed his sword into the ground.


    Then, as if not expecting me to say anything more, he undressed himself, cleaning the blood off his face and arms, before discarding his shirt.


    Abs, tough muscles, and dozens of healed scars were now put in display. But, not even this sight of the man I love, or the anger that was sowed, could take my mind off what he had just said.


    "You''re welcome¡­?"


    I just repeated it dumbly. I couldn''t understand what he meant.


    Was I supposed to say thank you, for him killing all these innocents?


    Why would I?


    "Then¡­ what was with the shame? The angry voice?!"


    "... You don''t get it, don''t you?"


    "What don''t I get, Anthony?! Tell me!"


    "Haaah..."


    If you''re going to give me the answer, the give it to me, right now! Don''t beat around the bush!


    "I wasn''t ashamed because of myself. I was ashamed that we still have this village. I wasn''t angry at you, for not wanting to be near them, either. That was to be expected. The only thing I didn''t like was that you thought I was below them."


    "What¡­?"


    He pulled his weapon out of the ground, and approached one of the corpses. It was that of a girl. Then, he used his sword to flip open the rags that she wore.


    What I saw was...


    Maggots.


    All over a jagged vertical wound from the midriff to the genital. It was greening it necrotized, it was rotting, pus flowed from the ruptured boils and those that didn''t rupture, were bright red, and half the size of my palm.


    "... Blech¡­!!!"


    I vomited both my lunch, my breakfast, and even more.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    How¡­? How was she even able to stay alive, after being THIS deformed¡­?


    "What¡­ is that thing¡­? Is that even¡­ human¡­?!"


    "She is. Or rather was... It''s an incurable disease. It isn''t transmittable. Don''t worry. But it comes when you eat too much of a certain plant. Their wounds don''t heal anymore. So, it gets infected, worsens, and over time, they''re just slowly dying."


    "Wh...at¡­? What kind of horrifying thing, is that?!"


    "The kind that you have to endure, when you''re three centuries behind neighboring countries, it seems. We keep all of those afflicted, here-"


    "THEN JUST KILL THEM ALL!" This time, I cut him off, as quickly as I could, before forming a dozen metal balls from my bracelets.


    "I''m sorry for making you feel that way! But letting them keep living here, is just punishing them even more! Let''s just end their suffering now!"


    "You can''t do that." I was promptly cut off again, before he climbed back on the cart. "Because there''s still the chance of them recovering on their own. So the country leaves them here. At the same time, they''re a deterrent. Entire armies turned back, when they saw the state of this town."


    "A chance?! Really?! You''re okay with letting them suffer? But you''re also fine with killing some of them?!"


    I yelled out, while using my sleeve to wipe the bile off my chin.


    "You''re a kind girl¡­" He said, before grabbing a new shirt from his knapsack. "You felt sorry for me. And you''re feeling sorry for them, too. It''s too bad you''re in the Coalition, and that you''re around people like us."


    "..." I went silent, before grabbing his collar and forced him to look at me, directly. "That''s not the entire story, isn''t it?"


    "I know you''re not the kind of person to kill indiscriminately, just because I somehow insulted you. It doesn''t even make sense that you would. Since, you were clearly planning to talk with people here. You wouldn''t have told me to stay silent, if you didn''t."


    "So why?!" I gasped, not noticing that I was breathless already. "Why kill them?! Why kill innocent people?!"


    "Because you did." The answer came so quickly, I couldn''t help but think he just blurted it out.


    But¡­ looking into his eyes, I knew he wasn''t joking. Nor was it a mistake.


    He was actually pinning the blame on me?!


    "I didn''t ask you to kill them!"


    "But you did kill one of them." Not even a second later, he had rebutted me again. Then, he lowered his head, pressing his cheek against my neck.


    "You saw him as a threat to yourself. So I dealt with the rest." He whispered gently into my ear, with a sorrowful tone in his voice.


    "I know that I can''t protect you from your own goals and aspirations. But I love you, Guila. With all my heart."


    "So¡­" His arm coiled around my waist, while another held the back of my head.


    "I will make sure to get rid of everything that could endanger you. All the way until you no longer need me."


    I felt his warm lips kiss my nape. Which sent shivers down my spine.


    I couldn''t stop him.


    I didn''t want to stop him.


    He whispered words that I wanted to hear the most.


    "Guila¡­ thank you for forgivng me..."


    I didn''t want to get angry at him.


    I owed him my life.


    I loved him too.


    But...


    Was he really an angel¡­?


    Or¡­


    With one more kiss on my shoulders, which left a mark, he pulled away from me.


    "We should get out of here first, huh?" He told me, with a thin smile and a chuckle.


    "Y...yeah¡­" I knew my cheeks were red, and my entire body felt hot.


    But, as a breeze came in, the stench of rot and decay ruined everything, causing me to snarl.


    "Hrrrngh¡­! Let''s go! As fast as possible, please¡­!"


    "Don''t worry. It''s just straight ahead. If you can just help me out a bit with the wheels, then..."


    "Done! They''re floating slightly, again."


    "Just cover your nose."


    I nodded in response.


    It was when the smell had just gotten thin enough to be ignorable, and the only light was where we were, or reflected from the rotating spheres around us, that a figure had approached from in front, from within the darkness.


    It was¡­ an old man with a hunched back making him less than four feet tall, malnourished limbs, and blank eyes, also wearing rags. But, he had two layers of rags, instead of one, and a wooden staff to keep him upright.


    I could almost hear his body creaking as he trudged through the mud, and raised his head to look up at us.


    Reacting immediately, Anthony brandished his sword again.


    "Step out of the way. And you''ll be spared."


    "No¡­"


    His voice was, quite obviously, hoarse, cracked and weak. But, the old man didn''t even seem perturbed.


    I was surprised enough by how he held his ground, despite Anthony''s bloodlust.


    "You have five more seconds."


    But, what caught my eye, was the medal hanging from a frayed purple and gold strap from his chest.


    It was a rusted copper star with the faded etchings of a coin, a flame and a scroll, side by side, from left to right.


    "Three... Two... One."


    "Anthony, wait!"


    I went to my feet, trying to get an even closer look at him.


    "You¡­ you''re a Calimus soldier?"


    I saw him smile. Then... a tear fell down his cheek.


    There was a short pause, as a breeze blew through, once again. While the grating and grinding in my ears, seemed to get louder.


    "It''s been years, since I''ve heard the tongue of my homeland."


    "But, yes. I served within the seventh Magitech Division." He lowered his head, and placed a hand on his chest. "Your father was my commanding officer, Lady Guila. I''m elated, that you''re safe."